The Clean Cars Program: How States Are Driving Cuts in Global Warming Pollution

Executive Summary

Rising global temperatures, unpredictable weather and alarming scientific predictions have led to increasing public concern about the impacts of global warming on the environment, health and society.

But while the Bush administration continues to resist efforts to reduce global warming pollution, many states are taking effective actions to address the threat—including the adoption of the “Clean Cars Program,” which sets limits on global warming pollution from cars, light trucks and SUVs.

The global warming benefit will be significant.

• The 12 states that have adopted the Clean Cars Program will cut global warming pollution from cars, light trucks and SUVs by 74 million metric tons per year in 2020.

• The cumulative global warming emission reduction from the program between 2009 and 2020 is 392 million metric tons, the equivalent to taking 74 million of today’s cars off the road for an entire year.

• Adoption by six additional states that are considering the policy would increase the total emission reduction to 100 million metric tons per year in 2020 and cumulative reductions to 536 million metric tons.

The Clean Cars Program will also reduce gasoline consumption and save money for consumers.

• The standards could reduce gasoline consumption by as much as 8.3 billion gallons per year in 2020—as much as is consumed by all the vehicles in Florida in a year.

• Consumers could save up to $25.8 billion annually at the pump in 2020.

• If six more states adopt the Clean Cars Program, gasoline consumption could drop by a total of 11.2 billion gallons in 2020, saving $34.7 billion for consumers at the pump.

States’ adoption of the Clean Cars Program can reduce global warming pollution, cut energy use, and save money for consumers. The federal government should not interfere with the progress being made by these states and should grant California’s request for a Clean Air Act waiver so that the states can implement the Clean Cars Program.