| September 20, 2006 |  |
Automakers Targeted by Lawsuit in California Contribute to Global Warming
Statements by Amy Lynd Luers, Climate Impacts Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists and Jason Mark, Vehicles Director, Union of Concerned Scientists
"Rising temperatures are threatening California's economy, health, and environment. Changes are already underway. For example, over the last 30 years there has been a fourfold increase in the frequency of large wildfires in the western United States primarily as a result of temperature increases. Automakers are contributing to global warming today. The latest scientific evidence links climate change to poorer air quality, a sharp rise in extreme heat, a less reliable water supply, more dangerous wildfires, rising sea levels, and expanding risks to agriculture."
Dr. Amy Lynd Luers, Climate Impacts Scientist, Union of Concerned Scientists
"Automakers must do their fair share to protect Californians from global warming. Polluters should pay, and the Attorney General's lawsuit forces them to do that. Passenger vehicles are the single largest global warming polluter in the state, accounting for 27 percent of emissions. The technologies exist to profitably slash emissions while saving consumers billions at the pump. And yet car companies are fighting the state's landmark regulations requiring them to offer vehicles with 30 percent lower emissions by 2016. Ten other states are following California's lead, accounting for one in three vehicles sold in the United States. In a global market increasingly focused on reducing global warming emissions, automakers who do not build clean cars will fail."
Jason Mark, Vehicles Director, Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
