For Immediate Release
November 22, 2006
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House Inaction on Emission Bill Hurts Environment, PA Consumers

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today adjourned for the 2005-2006 legislative session without taking action on legislation that would have enabled state motorists to purchase and register vehicles that meet strict federal emission standards, according to Senate Transportation Committee Chairman Roger Madigan (R-Bradford).

Madigan says the House inaction will leave Pennsylvania motorists open to higher vehicle costs, fewer choices and cars that are not as safe – all because it wants the state to meet emission mandates set by the state of California. 

"I'm really disappointed that certain groups used misinformation and strong-arm tactics to derail legislation that would protect our environment and would have also given consumers wider choices and greater safety," he said.  "This issue will be before us again next session, and the Senate will continue to push for legislation that would require us to meet strict and responsible standards – not arbitrary mandates from a state thousands of miles away."

Madigan pointed out that the vast majority of vehicles sold in Pennsylvania already meet the California emission standards.  Under Senate Bill 1025, citizens who wish to purchase vehicles meeting California's standards could do so but would not be subjected to a state mandate. 

"Mandating California standards would prohibit the top five performing vehicles that run on diesel fuel from being used by state residents," Madigan said.  "We should be promoting fuel efficiency rather than limiting consumer choice."

He also noted that if Pennsylvania mandates California standards, it would have to also comply with legally suspect carbon dioxide ratings that go into effect in California in 2009.

"More expensive, lighter, less safe, less powerful and less useful vehicles will be required to meet this standard," Madigan said.  "As a result, many motorists will choose to keep older, safer, more useful and more polluting vehicles on the road longer.  The net benefit will actually be dirtier air and higher numbers of highway fatalities. 

"Senate Bill 1025 was reasonable, bipartisan, pro-environment legislation," Madigan said.  "The fact that the House would not even debate its merits is very disheartening, but we will continue to push for this measure in the next session." 

CONTACT:

Craig Shuey
(717) 787-3280