Council News Release

COMMITTEE GIVES "CLEAN CAR" EMISSION STANDARDS PUBLIC AIRING
"Tough new standards will protect the health of everyone in the region"

SEATTLE - Winter is here, bringing with it colder temperatures, elusive snow storms - and on some days - bad air quality. Motionless cold air can prevent pollutants from dissipating, worsening the air quality in the region. Tougher "Clean Car" emission standards, likely to be introduced this legislative session, will help reduce pollutants and will be the topic of discussion at the City Council Energy and Environmental Policy Committee meeting, Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at 9:30 a.m. in Council Chambers (600 4th Ave., Floor 2).

Cars and trucks are the largest source of green house gas emissions today in Seattle and the region, contributing more than half of all emissions.

"Seattle is a leader in climate protection and clean air initiatives, including City Light's support for bio-diesel use in the city's fleet," said Councilmember Jean Godden chair of the Energy and environmental Policy Committee. "This legislation deserves a thorough public airing so that residents are better educated about how proposed tough new standards will protect the health of everyone in the region."

"Clean Car" standards, supported by the full City Council, call for all new cars, sold in Washington after 2009, to produce less toxic pollution and carbon dioxide emissions. Seven other states have adopted similar standards including California and New York.

Presenting to the committee will be Steve Nicholas, Director of the Office of Sustainability and Environment, K.C. Golden of Climate Solutions and Leslie Stanton from the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. The committee discussion will include the affects of clean car standards on the economy and how new standards can improve consumer choice while saving drivers money.

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City Council