PennFuture Applauds Passage of Clean Car Rules by IRRC
http://www.theautochannel.com/news/2...02/027465.html
HARRISBURG, Pa.--Citizens for Pennsylvania's Future (PennFuture) today praised the Pennsylvania Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) for voting 4 - 1 to approve new regulations requiring cars sold in the Commonwealth to meet more protective pollution standards beginning with the 2008 model year. The regulations were first proposed by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) under Governor Tom Ridge, but were delayed. The Rendell Administration sought approval to allow implementation to move forward, despite opposition from well-funded out-of-state special interests.
?The IRRC decision recognizes both the importance of these regulations to clean the air, lower demand and price of gasoline and improve our energy security, as well as the overwhelming support for these regulations by citizens throughout the state,? said John Hanger, President and CEO of PennFuture. ?With less pollution being released, we should see fewer asthma attacks, other breathing problems and cardiac problems, all of which are exacerbated by pollution from cars and trucks. That is great news for the health of one million Pennsylvanians who have respiratory problems.
?This new rule will also help us attract new businesses,? said Hanger. ?As new cleaner cars replace older and more polluting autos, most Pennsylvania counties will finally be able to meet clean air standards for ozone smog pollution, eliminating a major impediment to new businesses moving in.?
Can't wait. We have some of the worst air quality in the nation. Hopefully they'll pass the no-diesel-idle rule soon too, which would allow diesels to idle only 15mins/hour, or something like that...