FBACT Action Alert: Executive Order to Adopt California Emission Standards

Crist Executive Order to Adopt California’s Emission Standards

CLICK HERE to take action!

ISSUE:
In an effort to combat motor vehicle emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG), Governor Crist’s Executive Order 07-127 plans to adopt California’s motor vehicle emission standards. According to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, Florida is looking to adopt the California rules to seek greater reductions of CO2 sooner than Florida would otherwise.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is currently accepting comments on this issue and Florida Farm Bureau is urging members to submit comments in opposition to this order.

Farm Bureau policy opposes legislation that would mandate excessive increases in Corporate Average Fuel Economy Standards for new cars, pickup trucks, SUVs, and trucks as well as opposing any mandate that restricts fuel economy standards for small trucks to the same level as automobiles. Farm Bureau policy also opposes standards that reduce the availability and increase the cost of trucks.

Florida Farm Bureau Federation strongly opposes Governor Crist’s Executive Order 07-127.

For more information on California’s motor vehicle emission standards, CLICK HERE.

IMPACT:
Adopting the California Low Emission Vehicle (CA LEV) program will limit vehicle choice for Florida consumers – particularly by limiting the availability of the light trucks and SUVs that Florida residents tend to drive. This program will also compromise Florida’s promotion of renewable fuels and alternative vehicles for several reasons:

Flex fuel vehicles, or E85 capable vehicles, cannot meet CA LEV’s super ultra low emissions vehicle. The program would require 40% of all vehicles sold in the state to certify to the zero emission standards. There is no practical way for automakers to get credit toward their CO2 fleet averages for producing or selling E85 vehicles. Above all, this program will cede Florida’s regulatory authority to California – a state that is vastly different, has not shown Florida’s commitment to ethanol, and has no accountability to Florida residents.

ACTION:
Please CLICK HERE to let the Florida Department of Environmental Protection know how important light trucks and SUVs are to you and your business.

CONTACT:
Joshua Craft, (352) 378-8100, joshua.craft@ffbf.org