AIAM Statement on Vermont Greenhouse Gas Regulations Lawsuit

Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIAM)* President and CEO Mike Stanton issued the following statement today:

Who is AIAM? "The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers is one of two automotive trade associations challenging the Vermont rule. Its members are the international automobile manufacturers operating in the United States, including: Aston Martin, Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Isuzu, Kia, Maserati, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Peugeot, Renault, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota. These companies account for approximately 40 percent of all new passenger cars and light trucks sold annually in the United States. More than 50 percent of these vehicles are built in this country."

What is AIAM's position on the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles?

"AIAM has consistently recognized the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks. Many of our member companies are leading the industry in developing advanced technologies to address global warming and climate change concerns. AIAM supports federal regulation of greenhouse gas emissions from new motor vehicles."

Why is AIAM suing to strike down the Vermont greenhouse gas regulations?

"AIAM has filed this lawsuit on the very narrow legal issue known as 'preemption.' The Vermont regulation seeks to control greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks by legislating 'average' fuel economy standards. Current law reserves this right exclusively to the federal government under the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (EPCA), the so-called 'CAFE law.' Section 32919(a) of EPCA expressly preempts states from adopting or enforcing a law or regulation 'related to fuel economy standards or average fuel economy standards.' Congress has long-recognized that the creation of a patchwork of state laws in this area would be costly to consumers and harmful to the industry. Consequently, it entrusted the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), not the states, with the responsibility of weighing the competing economic, environmental, safety and technology concerns needed to determine a 'maximum feasible' fuel economy standard.

"At trial, AIAM will show that the Vermont regulation (an adoption of the California carbon dioxide standard currently being challenged in federal district court in California), is actually a de facto fuel economy standard. We will demonstrate the direct link between a CO2 emissions limit and a miles- per-gallon fuel economy standard. AIAM also will show that the Vermont regulation is impliedly preempted under EPCA, since it directly conflicts with the legislative intent underlying the EPCA."

* AIAM also represents original equipment suppliers and other automotive- related trade associations. For more information, visit our website at http://www.aiam.org/


Source: Association of International Automobile Manufacturers