Governor moves to cut vehicle emissions (Moonbat Butch Napalitano AZ)

The Arizona Daily Star ^ | 9 September 06 | Howard Fischer

[axes_of_weezles]

Governor moves to cut vehicle emissions

Adopt Clean Car Program, order tells state agencies

By Howard Fischer

Capitol Media Services

Tucson, Arizona | Published: 09.09.2006

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PHOENIX — Gov. Janet Napolitano took the first step Friday toward what eventually could be a ban on the sale of cars and light trucks that produce large amounts of "greenhouse gases."

In an executive order, Napolitano told state agencies to adopt and carry out a "Clean Car Program" to reduce carbon dioxide and other gases that contribute to global warming.

While details are still to be worked out, Napolitano said the final order likely would follow what California and other states already have adopted.

It would not outlaw the sale of specific brands or types of vehicles. But beginning no earlier than 2009, it would require manufacturers who want to sell in Arizona to design them to meet standards tougher than federal law requires — which could result in higher costs.

Asked in an interview Friday whether Arizonans are willing to pay more for a vehicle solely to reduce greenhouse gases, Napolitano answered, "That remains to be seen."

"But I will tell you, I think most Arizonans would agree that if we don't start making some changes with respect to the environmental issues that affect climate, we're going to feel very regretful in another 10 or 12 years," said the Democratic governor, who is up for re-election in November.

The Clean Car Program proposal would put Arizona in line with California and at least 11 other states that are adopting emissions standards for greenhouse gases stricter than those being weighed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

It is aimed toward Napolitano's goal of getting greenhouse gas emissions in Arizona back to year 2000 levels by 2020. Ultimately, she wants them at half the 2000 levels by 2040.

Whether Napolitano has the authority to implement such an order remains undeter-mined. The first question is whether it would require legislative approval.

"I won't answer that question now. Let's wait and see what they come back with, and then we'll make the determination," she said, referring to the state agencies.

But Sierra Club lobbyist Sandy Bahr said there are already provisions in state law giving the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality the power to reduce "air contaminants" from motor vehicles. Bahr said she would argue that carbon dioxide fits the definition of a contaminant.

California's proposal already is tied up in court, as that state defends a lawsuit brought by vehicle manufacturers who contend that states cannot adopt their own rules. Napolitano said she will "leave that to California" to do battle with the car companies.

One indication of the cost of these less-polluting vehicles will come as soon as January. In her order Friday, Napolitano also directed state agencies to buy only vehicles that meet certain greenhouse-gas emissions standards, beginning Jan. 1.

Alan Ecker, lobbyist for the state Department of Administration, said the agency already buys ethanol-powered vehicles. He said the average cost is "virtually the same" as for their gas-fueled counterparts.

Napolitano also ordered the Department of Transportation to allow owners of "hybrid" gasoline-electric cars to use special carpool lanes on Maricopa County freeways.

Under current rules, only cars and trucks with more than one occupant can use these lanes during rush hours unless the vehicle is powered by something other than gasoline. Letting hybrid owners use those lanes could encourage more people to buy the cars despite their higher cost, Napolitano said.

The order includes several provisions adopted last month by a special panel Napolitano named to study ways to reduce greenhouse gases.

But the governor's order does not include all of the committee's recommendations.

For example, one would reduce the amount of farm and range land that are converted to homes — what could be a growth control measure.

Another would require that people pay higher rates for electricity the more they use, to encourage conservation. There also is a proposed "pay as you drive" insurance program to link premiums directly to miles driven.

Napolitano said she is studying the report and may adopt more proposals. But some of the ideas, like changing electricity rates, are beyond her control, resting instead with the Arizona Corporation Commission.

Bahr, who was a member of the governor's commission, said cleaner cars don't have to be more expensive. She said goals of reducing greenhouse gases could be met with vehicles that are more fuel-efficient.

And Bahr said that doesn't necessarily mean smaller and lighter vehicles, which some consumers dislike.

On StarNet: For more information on the environment, air quality, energy conservation and recycling, visit azstarnet.com/earth911

[axes_of_weezles]

The Greening of Arizona. Butch is forcing unlegislated mandates on vehicle emissions adopting stronger regulations than the Feds.

We dont need this crap, based on junk science. This is a scam to get kickbacks from vehicle manufacturers, increase taxes on fuel and registration which fund new roads.

Effect would be to californicate Arizona. We already have blended fuels.

We dont need more expensive new vehicles.

[Between the Lines]

What can be done by executive order of the current governor can be undone by executive order of the next governor.

[lilylangtree]

Moonbat Napolitano's sister Moonbutt Christine Fraudoire occupies the governor's seat in WA state.

[FlingWingFlyer]

The dumbass GOP decided to let her run unopposed this November. There are no campaign signs for GOP candidates for Governor anywhere. Butch is so brazen that all her signs just say, Janet for Governor. It's Janet now.

[ChiMark]

The die has been cast by Arnold. Soon all delivery trucks will be as big as a prius. We'll have to use oxen and carts.

[sionnsar]

But beginning no earlier than 2009, it would require manufacturers who want to sell in Arizona to design them to meet standards tougher than federal law requires — which could result in higher costs.

A boon to over-the-border dealerships...?

[axes_of_weezles]

Yep the same party hacks are allowing the NRCC to spew their filth in the CD-8 Congressional race, and allow butch to go about her ways unhindered.

Not a peep from the State Republican Party.


I have seen Goldwater's web ads, though.

[axes_of_weezles]

That's an Idea.

Just buy and register vehicles in Sonora. They have to let them on the road due to NAFTA. Sure see enough of them in Tucson.

[FlingWingFlyer]

There also is a proposed "pay as you drive" insurance program to link premiums directly to miles driven.

Now there's another brilliant pothead idea. The people driving the smoke belchers DON'T HAVE INSURANCE you idiots!.

[EGPWS]

Effect would be to californicate Arizona. We already have blended fuels.

Rubber band power is the moonbat answer.

I saw another post the other day that referenced the closing of the ozone hole over Antarctica.

I wonder how the moonbats will find a way to make this an issue of concern and blame us for it.

[FlingWingFlyer]

Moonbat Napolitano's sister Moonbutt Christine Fraudoire occupies the governor's seat in WA state.

You've got to be kidding me. Are they really sisters?

[lilylangtree]

Sisters in Spirit and Thinking and Governing.

[FlingWingFlyer]

I've got to be out of town on Tuesday so I did the early voting gig. Voted for Munsil because he was the only one I familiar with. Heard a pretty good Goldwater ad ONCE yesterday on the radio. Might have voted for him had I heard the ad prior to voting. Goldwater's ad was a bunch of tough talk toward the illegals. Other than that, I haven't got a clue. And this is about the job for Arizona governor. Don't know what the GOP is waiting for.

[ncountylee]

Just buy and register vehicles in Sonora.

I looked into registering a car in TJ to get around CA regulations a few years ago and it could be done using a Mexican "paper" business to lease my car back to me. Didn't follow through.

[B Knotts]

By setting absurd limits on NOx, Califoria's CARB regulations result in more, not less greenhouse gas emissions.

[greasepaint]

Nice to see that carbon dioxide is
being thought of as a state matter.

[mugs99]

We'll have to use oxen and carts

Oxen fart methane...You'll have to use rickshaws.
.

[Between the Lines]

But the governor's order does not include all of the committee's recommendations.

Let's look at those recomendations:

1. Adopt the clean cars program, which will put increasing numbers of hybrid-electric cars on Arizona’s roads and impose limits on vehicle carbon dioxide emissions.

2. Require the sale of low-rolling resistance replacement tires that improve vehicle efficiency without negatively affecting safety.

3. Establish a revenue-neutral “feebate” program to reward the purchase of more fuel-efficient vehicles.

4. Require automobile insurers to offer pay-as-you-drive automobile insurance, in which insurance rates are calculated by the mile, rewarding those who drive less, while potentially reducing accidents.

5. Adopt policies that would reduce growth in vehicle miles traveled by cars and light trucks on Arizona’s highways, such as measures to reduce sprawling development and encourage the use of transit and other transportation alternatives.

6. Establish a renewable fuels standard, so that a portion of motor fuel, both gasoline and diesel, comes from renewable sources. To reduce emissions from homes, businesses and industry:

7. Reduce energy use by expanding energy efficiency programs supported by electricity and natural gas ratepayers.

8. Expand appliance efficiency standards for a series of residential and commercial products, saving money for consumers and reducing electric sector emissions.

9. Improve the efficiency of new commercial and residential buildings and thereby reduce building-related energy costs and global warming pollution.

10. Expand the use of energy-efficient combined heat and power systems in industry and commercial buildings.

To reduce emissions from electricity generation:

11. Dramatically increase the installation of solar photovoltaic and thermal energy systems on homes and businesses through direct incentives and new methods of financing.

12. Expand and strengthen the state’s proposed Renewable Energy Standard so that 30 percent of all electricity consumed in Arizona comes from new, clean, renewable sources.

13. Stop the growth in emissions from coal-fired power plants, using appropriate public policy tools such as greater energy efficiency measures or a carbon “cap and trade” program.

To reduce emissions with other strategies:

14. Reduce government sector emissions through “lead by example” measures, such as by purchasing renewable power, cutting energy consumption in new buildings in half, increasing energy efficiency, and purchasing more efficient vehicles for state fleets.

Download the full report in PDF format.

[HungarianGypsy]

We dont need more expensive new vehicles.

Too bad we can't demand that she pays for them.