In an unusual weekend session, the California Legislature sneakily passed an alternative bill to regulate "greenhouse" gases, including carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, from motor vehicles. This bill, A.B. 1493, replaces A.B. 1058 (reported on in the July 2002 issue of "Driving Force") and now moves to Gov. Gray Davis for his signature or veto. While the new bill prohibits regulators from reducing speed limits, restricting vehicle size or imposing new taxes or fees, it is little more than a back-door effort by environmentalists to set fuel-economy standards.

"Because CO2 is given off whenever gasoline is burned, the only way to cut emissions is to make vehicles that burn less gasoline or vehicles driven by electricity or other means," said SEMA Director of Government Affairs Steve McDonald. "In fact, this measure amounts to an illegal state effort to regulate fuel economy, and contradicts Federal government policy which opposes dramatic increases to CAFE standards. Counter to some legislators' belief, the new bill represents bad public policy."

According to McDonald, the bill will result in the downsizing of cars and light trucks, limiting vehicle choice, increasing costs and possibly even limiting the sale and use of related specialty automotive parts that help increase vehicle horsepower and performance. Popular products like engine and drivetrain upgrades and custom exhaust equipment could effectively be outlawed simply because they may increase GHG emissions.

"Worse still," noted SEMA Director of Public Affairs Brian Caudill, "this bill could entice other states to follow California's misguided effort in setting unreasonable emissions rules on vehicles."

SEMA has joined a coalition led by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the American Highway Users Alliance in urging Gov. Davis to veto the bill. SEMA Action Network members, particularly those who favor light trucks, SUVs and performance modified vehicles, are encouraged to contact the governor in opposition to this bill.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Shortly after the publishing date of the August Driving Force, A.B. 1493 was signed into law. SEMA is disappointed that Gov. Davis chose to sign this anti-hobby legislation and will pursue strategies to make sure that this new law will not effect California's vehicle enthusiast community.]