Clean Cars Fact Sheet Background on the Policy The policy goal for the Clean Cars policy is to reduce carbon emissions and other pollution from the fleet of new motor vehicles over time. This is accomplished by incorporating more types of existing or “off the shelf” technologies into new cars that will improve fuel economy and decrease pollution. These technologies are costeffective and include aerodynamic design; variable valve lift and timing; cylinder deactivation; integrated starter generators; turbochargers; highly efficient, low-leak air conditioners; improved multi-speed transmissions. Auto makers are already using these technologies, so the idea is to include more types in more makes and models. For example, in its bailout restructuring plan, General Motors identified many of these technologies as current or underway strategies to improve fuel economy.1 Saving Money & Reducing Dependence on Oil This policy will save Iowans money over time while reducing oil consumption. Clean cars use less fuel, so the policy reduces operating costs for new cars. Analysis from the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council shows this policy will save Iowans $246 million by year 2020.2 Auto industry claims that the policy will increase vehicle costs by $3000 are greatly exaggerated. Independent research shows that upfront vehicle costs would not increase at all for many models.3 The maximum cost increase averages about $1000 in later years, but the payback period is still typically between one and three years. After that, consumers simply save money. Cleaner Air & Reduced Pollution By adopting these rules, Iowa’s vehicle fleet would emit less pollution. Iowa has high background levels of fine particulate matter and some areas in the state either may be out of compliance with federal standards or headed in that direction.4 This policy can help reduce background levels across the state to maintain clean air standards, support public health, and allow for continued economic growth. The policy will also reduce greenhouse gas emissions – the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council found it will eliminate 4.1 million metric tons of carbon dioxide (or its equivalent) by year 2020. Why Now The new EPA has signaled a willingness to review and possibly grant the federal waiver necessary for states to adopt this policy. The previous EPA administrator denied a waiver to California and without it, California and other states could not adopt the policy. In 2008, Iowa joined a number of states in a lawsuit against EPA to have this waiver granted.5 About 15 states have already adopted the policy, so once the waiver is granted nearly half the U.S. auto market will be covered by it. Finally, the federal government’s CAFE standards do not reduce emissions as much as this policy will.6 Support HF 422 The federal Clean Air Act allows most states, including Iowa, to choose between following federal regulations on vehicle emissions or to follow regulations adopted by a specific state (in this case, California).In December, 2008, the Iowa Climate Change Advisory Council completed a report that includes over 50 policy options to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Iowa. The ICCAC voted unanimously to include Clean Cars as an option. House File 422 will initiate a rulemaking proceeding to adopt this policy.
General Motors, 2009-2014 Restructuring Plan (Dec. 31, 2008) at http://www.treasury.gov/initiatives/eesa/agreements/auto-reports/GMRestructuringPlan.pdf. 2 See TLU-8 at http://www.iaclimatechange.us/ewebeditpro/items/O90F20679.pdf. 3 California Air Resources Board, Request for a Clean Air Act Section 209(b) Waiver of Preemption, Attachment 2 (2005) at page 39, at http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/docs/att2_support.pdf. 4 See http://www.iowadnr.gov/air/prof/progdev/pm25na.html. 5 Iowa Challenges EPA Over Rules on Greenhouse Gas Vehicle Emissions, Office of the Attorney General (2008) at http://www.iowa.gov/government/ag/latest_news/releases/feb_2008/Iowa_challenges_EPA.html. 6 Comparison of Greenhouse Gas Reductions for the United States and Canada Under ARB Regulations and Proposed Federal 2011-2015 Model Year Fuel Economy Standards, California Air Resources Board (May 8, 2008) available at: http://www.arb.ca.gov/cc/ccms/ccms.htm. For more information, please contact Nathaniel Baer, Iowa Environmental Council: cell (319) 321-8449; office (515) 2441194 x206; baer@iaenvironment.org.
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