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Florida Emissions Rules Could Get Tougher

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By CATHERINE DOLINSKI

cdolinski@tampatrib.com

Published: December 3, 2008

TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist wants tougher emissions standards for vehicles sold in Florida by 2013. The standards would force manufacturers to reduce new car and truck emissions in Florida by 10 million metric tons by 2020 - the equivalent of taking nearly 1.1 million vehicles off of the road per year.

On Tuesday the state's Environmental Regulation Commission voted 6-1 to adopt the standard for greenhouse gas emissions.

Before becoming law it must receive approval from the state Legislature, which meets in March, and federal regulators. Automakers will continue to press their opposition, arguing that the rule will make larger vehicles more costly and less available. Environmental advocates counter that better fuel economy resulting from the new standard will net consumers a cost savings over time.

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