Gregoire signs bill requiring cleaner vehicles
Happy news, courtesy of the Associated Press:
Gov. Christine Gregoire has signed a bill that will bring strict California car-emissions standards to Washington.This was one of the environmental priorities in the 2005 legislative session, and it's now made it into law. Congratulations to state lawmakers and Governor Gregoire for having the vision to look to the future of our environment and our health.
"It's a day of hope and positive change for the entire nation," said national Sierra Club President Larry Fahn, who attended the bill signing Friday.
The new emissions standards will start taking effect in 2009, and by 2016 all new cars, SUVs and light trucks sold in Washington will have to comply with the tougher standards.
California estimates that the new regulations will cut emissions in cars and light trucks by 25 percent and in larger trucks and SUVs by 18 percent.
"The technology is there, and if it's not there we just need to give it a little nudge," Gregoire said. "This is one of the single most important pieces of environmental legislation we've had in a long time. ... It's going to have direct benefits to the health of our children and our elderly."