Audubon today called on state legislators to ratify the state’s new clean car rule approved last month by the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission (ERC). The roadblock to adoption of these rules will be removed by President Barack Obama’s reported decision to allow states to adopt their own rules to reduce greenhouse gases from auto emissions.

Previously, the Bush administration had blocked California and other states from adopting tailpipe standards for cars and light trucks. President Obama’s decision removes a major objection by automakers that states should not adopt their own vehicle emissions standards. His decision also supports Governor Charlie Crist’s call for Florida adoption of the California rules.

In 2007, Governor Charlie Crist signed three far-reaching executive orders to set Florida on a path to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions. One of the most important strategies in those orders was adoption of the California Motor Vehicle Emissions Standards. More than 40% of Florida’s greenhouse gases come from transportation sources.  Florida’s clean car rule will require that new cars and light trucks sold in Florida meet higher air pollution standards.

“Florida is amongst a group of 13 states that are leading the way to make cars cleaner and more efficient by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving fuel economy,” said Audubon of Florida Policy Director Eric Draper. “Approving the clean car rules for Florida is a win-win strategy to reduce gas prices and global warming pollution, which is good for our environment and our wallets. In the interest of our citizens, Florida has an imperative to urgently undertake aggressive steps to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from all sources.”

Regulating greenhouse gases from cars and light trucks is one of the most important steps Florida can take to reduce our state’s contribution to global climate change and protect the state from its impacts.  Recent studies have shown, for example, that Florida’s low lying coastal areas will experience extraordinary property losses associated with sea level rise.  Our economy and environment are also likely to suffer inordinately from more intense storms and storm surges, and that alone makes the case for urgent action.  Costs of adapting to the impacts of climate change will also be a major factor in the state’s economic future.

“The carmakers’ objections to Florida’s clean car rule are falling by the wayside,” Draper said. “It is time now for the Legislature to ratify the rule.”