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THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO CONTACTED THEIR REPRESENTATIVES ON SUCH
SHORT NOTICE. YOU REALLY MADE A DIFFERENCE.
Thanks to a strong outpouring of public support for cleaner automobiles,
the leadership of the PA House of Representatives decided not to
hold a vote on SB 1025, legislation that would kill the PA Clean
Vehicles Program. As a result, the Clean Vehicles Program will move
forward towards implementation with the 2008 model year. This program
will reduce automobile pollution that causes health-threatening
smog, increase fuel economy while saving consumers money at the
pump, and cut auto greenhouse gas emissions.
The Clean Vehicles Program, a regulatory proposal put forward by
the Rendell administration, had been the subject of public hearings
earlier this year, where nearly 5,000 Pennsylvanians spoke up in
favor of the program, a record number of comments for an environmental
proposal. Legislation introduced on behalf of out-of-state lobbying
interests, such as the automobile manufacturers, passed the PA Senate
last winter, but appeared buried in the PA House. Then, with less
than 24 hours notice, SB 1025 was voted out of the House Transportation
Committee, and was headed for a floor vote yesterday.
Public interest and environmental organizations, including Sierra
Club quickly responded, with lobbying and action alerts and meetings
with newspaper editorial boards. Grassroots response was quick and
convincing. Legislators began receiving faxes, calls and e-mails,
and the barrage didn't let up till Tuesday, when House leadership
cried "Uncle", having realized they didn't have the votes
to pass SB 1025. The bill was pulled from the voting schedule.
While we have won, for now, there is a chance that House leadership
will try to resurrect SB 1025, in the "lame duck" session
after the November General Election. If we get wind of any effort
to again try to kill the Clean Vehicles Program, we will be back,
asking you for your help to put a nail in the coffin of this deadly
proposal.
GREAT JOB!
Jeff Schmidt, Director
Sierra Club Pennsylvania Chapter
The Clean Vehicles Program standards were developed by the state
of California, and are the only option besides the weak standards
of the federal government. Once the clean cars program is fully
implemented, Pennsylvania will join Maine, Massachusetts, New York,
Vermont, Connecticut, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Oregon, Washington
and California in opting for the clean cars program.
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