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Carbon dioxide pollution from cars and
light trucks in Arizona is rising sharply and could double by 2020
unless new clean technologies are adopted, according to a report
released Tuesday.
The Arizona Public Interest Research
Group's "Cars and Global Warming: Policy Options to Reduce Arizona's
Global Warming from Cars and Light Trucks" outlines strategies for
significantly decreasing emissions linked to adverse health effects
and climate change.
The group's Clean Cars program calls
for limits on automobile pollution and widespread introduction of
hybrid-electric and fuel-cell vehicles.
Arizona PIRG calculates that by
implementing those steps by 2010, Arizona could reduce carbon
dioxide pollution by 14 percent over the next decade, saving
consumers an average of up to $7 a month on gasoline costs alone.
"Cars and trucks are currently driving
Arizona toward significantly worse global warming pollution.
Enacting the Clean Cars Program will make a major dent in global
warming and will save money for Arizonans," said Diane E. Brown,
executive director for Arizona PIRG Education Fund.
According to the report, cars and light
trucks are responsible for 60 percent of all transportation
emissions and more than 20 percent of total pollution.
Emissions increased about 40 percent
during the 1990s and are projected to rise by about 60 percent from
2000 to 2020, doubling over the 30-year period. The report cites
stagnation in federal fuel economy standards and an increase in
vehicle travel as chief causes for the surge in pollution.
The report calls for reducing emissions
by implementing low-emission vehicle standards, increasing
zero-emission vehicles and decreasing vehicle travel through
improved transit and expanded walking and biking options.
Among the problems associated with
global warming, the report cites higher overall temperatures, less
precipitation, decreased water supply, greater wildfire danger and
forest infestation and an increase in illnesses, including valley
fever and respiratory conditions.
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Source: arizona daily star |
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