Global Warming In the News

Gov. Ted Kulongoski on Monday put Oregon on the road to cleaner-burning vehicles -- and a clash with the auto industry -- by ordering stiffer pollution controls for new cars sold in the state after 2008.

The governor ordered the state Environmental Quality Commission to draft regulations enacting California's new emissions controls. Those are aimed at reducing carbon-dioxide emissions that are thought to contribute to global warming.

Kulongoski also vetoed a provision in the Department of Environmental Quality budget that bars the agency from working on the new emissions rules. That budget note was inserted by the 2005 Legislature at the automobile industry's behest.

"Oregon should be a national leader by combatting global warming," Kulongoski said at a campaign-style event at Portland's Pioneer Courthouse Square. "I intend for Oregon to add stricter tailpipe standards for emissions this year, by administrative rule."

A bill requiring the stiffer rules went nowhere in the 2005 legislative session. When the governor suggested that he could adopt the rules administratively via the Environmental Quality Commission, House Republicans pushed through a budget note to forestall that. The Legislature's lawyer suggested that the note was unconstitutional, but Kulongoski made a legal challenge moot by vetoing it.

Environmentalists praised the governor's actions, and critics said he was picking a fight with the auto industry.

Six companies that make cars and trucks already have sued in federal court to prevent California from imposing the new rules, which take effect for 2009 model-year vehicles introduced in 2008.

"I know if we adopt the rules, the same thing's going to happen in Oregon," said Darrell Fuller, a lobbyist for the Oregon Automobile Dealers Association.

Under the federal Clean Air Act, California alone has the right to enact stricter vehicle-emission standards than the federal government. However, other states may adopt the California standards if they choose to go beyond federal regulations.

The Washington Legislature earlier adopted the California standards, but only on the condition that Oregon did so. Oregon and Washington now stand to become the ninth and 10th states adopting the California standards, along with similar provisions enacted by Canada.

A market that large for cleaner-burning vehicles should spark improvements in cars and trucks sold nationally, environmentalists said.

"It costs automakers more to make two types of cars instead of one," said Isaac Silverman of Oregon State Public Interest Research Group, known as OSPIRG.

"Oregon's joining a handful of states in really leading the way to addressing an environmental threat," said Fred Heutte, a member of the Sierra Club's National Global Warming and Energy Committee.

Gains in emissions reduction come largely by making engines burn fuel more efficiently. As a result, the tougher emissions standards will boost fuel efficiency as well.

It makes "economic sense to all parties," said Angus Duncan, a member of the Governor's Advisory Group on Global Warming. The Kulongoski-appointed group issued a report with 60 recommendations in the spring.

The recommendation to adopt California vehicle emissions standards was one of the easiest to reach consensus on, Duncan said, because consumers will save money by using less gasoline.

Al Jubitz, a former truckstop owner and member of the governor's panel, said there is an "action gap" when it comes to what is known about global warming and what is done about it.

"I commend the governor for doing what the Legislature did not, and Congress has not," Jubitz said. "I commend you, governor, for helping to close the action gap."

Fuller said the California standards will add $1,000 to $3,000 to the price of a car. They also will bar sales of diesel-fueled passenger cars and trucks in Oregon, he said. In addition, Fuller said, dealers might be forced to sell more hybrids and limit the supply of sport utility vehicles and other large cars demanded by consumers.

"You can't have diesel cars and trucks in California," Fuller said. "People in Oregon need trucks and SUVs because of our lifestyle."

It's true that newer-model diesel Volkswagen Jettas, Passats and Mercedes E class cannot meet California standards, said Rachel Sakata, an air-quality planner at the Department of Environmental Quality. However, federal regulations will require improved diesel-powered vehicles by 2009 anyway, she said.

"It's immaterial for Oregon, because our rules would not go into effect until 2009," she said.