Clean cars could begin to clear air

We have the technology, but do we have the political will and foresight? That’s the question leaders have to answer as they weigh the merits of requiring manufacturers to produce cleaner-burning, more fuel-efficient cars.

On the federal level, our leaders have buckled under the pressure applied by automakers, who claim that the expense involved in producing cleaner cars will hurt profit margins and force consumers to pay higher prices. It’s the same argument the industry used to fend off emissions controls, seat belts and air bags for so long. Anybody want to return to the days when those didn’t exist?

So far, the manufacturers are winning, because Congress has hit the brakes on pollution and fuel mileage standards.

But as the population expands, so will pollution unless restrictions are tightened.

Several states have recognized this and are acting on their own. States have two options: They can adopt the federal standard for emissions or they can devise a stricter one. Seven states have adopted so-called clean car standards. Washington, Oregon and several other states are looking into doing the same.

Rep. Ed Murray, D-Seattle, is sponsoring legislation that would require dealers to begin phasing in “clean cars” starting with 2009 models.

By 2016, all new cars registered in the state would have to be clean cars, and, eventually, the state could do away with emissions testing.

California was the first state to adopt the standards, and six Northeast states have followed suit. Those states decided that the standards also made good business sense. Their air pollution levels often exceeded federal standards, which made it difficult to lure manufacturers.

More than 50 percent of air pollution comes from automobiles. Major Washington businesses, such as Boeing and Weyerhaeuser, recommend clean-car standards.

Diesel engines would not be affected, so the effect on trucking should be minimal.

Another factor is public health. An estimated 10 percent of children in Seattle and Spokane suffer from asthma, which is exacerbated by air pollution.

According to the California Air Resources Board, a typical car owner can expect to spend $7 a month more for a clean car, but because clean-car technology also yields better mileage, drivers can save as much as $18 a month in fuel costs.

Currently, many of the same models sold in Washington are available in California, except that the California versions run cleaner and get better mileage.

This includes SUVs and pickups. Many popular models already meet the stricter standards and won’t need to be changed.

When enough states adopt the higher standards, manufacturers may stop producing two versions of the same model and just deliver clean cars. Consumer demand may force that anyway.

Auto dealers are wary of the possible change. They fear that sales could slump.

But since the cars must pass the higher standard regardless of where they are purchased, buyers have little incentive to go elsewhere.

It would be better if the federal government required clean cars, but the executive branch and Congress has shown no inclination to do so. States will have to lead the way.