Lung Health News, Spring / Summer 2005
Despite an uphill battle with the auto industry, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) unanimously adopted landmark regulations in September 2004 requiring automakers to cut vehicle emissions of carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming. The new rules could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 22 percent by 2012 and 30 percent by 2016.
The new regulations face a one-year period of legislative review before becoming effective January 1, 2006, which means another year of fighting automakers’ attempts to weaken the landmark provisions. The American Lung Association of California will continue its campaign to support the new regulations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions because California already experiences the worst air quality in the nation and global warming will only make matters.
The association mobilized physicians from its Health Network for Clean Air to testify at CARB hearings and send letters urging board members to protect public health by reducing greenhouse gas emissions. More than 175 health professionals sent petitions to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and CARB Chair Alan Lloyd in support of California’s global warming law.
