Robbins: PA Motorists Should Not Have to Pay for California Fuel Standards
Senator working to prevent DEP from adopting costly emission standards set by California.

Harrisburg – State Sen. Bob Robbins (R-50) is joining fellow lawmakers in working to prevent a Rendell Administration plan to impose California vehicle emission standards on Pennsylvania motorists.

Robbins said the change would force Pennsylvania motorists to purchase more expensive vehicles and may ultimately lead to more expensive gasoline. The Senator is co-sponsoring Senate Bill 1025, which would require the state Department of Environmental Protection to continue following the federal emission standards established in 2000.

"If DEP is permitted to go through with this plan, Pennsylvanians will be forced to purchase vehicles that are different, and more expensive, than those sold in 40 other states," said Robbins. "Worse, it will put control over Pennsylvania fuel standards in the hands of an environmental board in California. It's a bad idea and the legislature must act to stop it."

Robbins noted that California vehicles achieve their supposed emission benefits only if fueled by a specially formulated gasoline. Because the gas is much more expensive -- about 50 cents per gallon more – the Pennsylvania General Assembly banned it years ago. However, Robbins said, it will only be a matter of time until DEP demands that the fuel be sold to achieve the full emission benefits.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency last year cautioned states who were over-estimating the benefits of California's standards, saying they provide emission reduction of only one or two percent over federal standards, said Robbins.

"Pennsylvania is not California. California has severe air pollution problems that don't exist in Pennsylvania," said Robbins. "DEP's plan will affect the cost and choice of vehicles in Pennsylvania while providing little public health benefit. If this plan was a car it would be a lemon, and Senate Bill 1025 will prevent it from ever leaving the lot."

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322

Robbins: PA Motorists Should Not Have to Pay for California Fuel Standards Senator working to prevent DEP from adopting costly emission standards set by California.

Robbins: PA Motorists Should Not Have to Pay for California Fuel Standards
Senator working to prevent DEP from adopting costly emission standards set by California.