Clean Air Trust: "Detroit is Greenwashing"
12 February 1998
Don't Be Fooled By Detroit 'Greenwashing': The 'Clean-Car' Debate Is Only Beginning
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12 -- The "Big Three" auto companies are
gaining favorable publicity -- including a photo opportunity today at the
White House -- by "voluntarily" agreeing to sell cars that pollute somewhat
less than required under current rules.
But reporters and editors shouldn't be fooled by this continuing
"greenwashing" public relations ploy: the truth is that the "clean-car" debate
is only beginning. Cars, minivans, light trucks and sport utility vehicles
will all have to be even cleaner in order to meet clean air health standards.
Here's a little background on the issue:
-- The "Detroit Deal." When Congress passed the Clean Air Act Amendments
of 1990, auto industry lobbyists inserted an amendment which prevents the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency from setting or enforcing stricter tailpipe
emission standards until model year 2004 cars. (That's why Detroit was crowing
about its modest "voluntary" program, because it knows the federal
government's hands are tied. Detroit also is trying to preempt future federal
requirements and rely on outdated technology.)
-- The "Tier 2" Study. As part of the 1990 "deal," the EPA was directed
to conduct a study to see if tighter mandatory tailpipe standards should be
required in 2004 or later. In clean air jargon, this is called the "Tier 2"
study (and any tighter standards would be called the "Tier 2" standards). EPA
is required to consider technical feasibility, cost, and the health need for
stricter standards. EPA plans to release a draft of its report next month.
-- California Blazes the Trail. California, which traditionally has led
the nation in clean-car innovation, is at it again. The state is considering
a plan, starting in 2004, which would require much cleaner cars than those
promised by the auto industry's "voluntary" plan. For example, the California
plan would cut smog-forming nitrogen oxides in cars by as much as 95 percent
compared to allegedly "clean" cars under the Detroit plan. California
believes its plan is both technically feasible -- even with gasoline engines
-- and affordable. The California program also will stimulate desirable
advanced technology. Several Northeastern states have adopted the current
California clean-car program, which involves tougher standards than the
Detroit plan.
-- Minivans and Sport Utility Vehicles. The Detroit plan would not
require strict emission standards for large minivans or sport utility
vehicles, even though these, because of growing market share, are rapidly
becoming a bigger air pollution problem. In addition, some car companies
reportedly are planning to introduce diesel engines in heavier vehicles as a
way to increase miles per gallon. Increased use of diesels could create a new
and dangerous air pollution problem, since diesels emit higher levels of fine
particles.
The California plan would require minivans and sport utility vehicles --
including diesels -- to meet the same standards as automobiles.
-- Sulfur in Gasoline. Recent studies have confirmed that high levels of
sulfur in gasoline can impede the performance of pollution control devices and
thus cause more overall pollution. (One reason California feels confident
about calling for tighter standards is because most gasoline used in
California is low in sulfur.) Reducing sulfur in gasoline would enable use of
technologies that would also improve gas mileage -- and significantly reduce
greenhouse gas emissions. The auto companies know this and say they support
cleaner gasoline. But to date they have done little to force the oil
companies to produce a cleaner product.
-- The Health Need. Last summer, EPA set stricter new clean air health
standards for smog and soot. Stricter tailpipe standards are essential to
make sure that all parts of the country meet the health standards.
-- What Should EPA Do? At a minimum, EPA should set post-2003 standards
that are stricter than those "volunteered" by Detroit. It would be a gross
dereliction of its responsibility to protect public health for EPA to let
Detroit use outdated technology indefinitely. (In fact, the Clean Air Act says
the "Tier 2" nitrogen oxides standard should be fully one-third less than
under the Detroit plan.) EPA should follow California's lead and insist that
all passenger vehicles -- including minivans and sport utility vehicles --
meet the same strict tailpipe standards. To lower greenhouse gas emissions
and other forms of pollution, EPA should insist that the sulfur content of
gasoline be reduced. And EPA should make sure that diesel vehicles meet the
same emission standards that apply to gasoline engines.
SOURCE Clean Air Trust