Background
Emissions from transportation sources, primarily automobile tailpipes, accounts for about one-third of Illinois’s global warming pollution. The fastest way to address this pollution is by setting tailpipe emission standards that get cleaner, more efficient cars on our roads.
The Clean Cars Act (S.B. 663/H.B. 3424) directs Illinois EPA to adopt the Clean Car Program to reduce emissions of smog-forming pollution and greenhouse gases. Because automakers are expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by making vehicles more fuel efficient, the Clean Car Program will also save consumers money and reduce Illinois’ dependence on foreign oil. Thirteen states constituting more than one-third of the U.S. automobile market have already adopted the Clean Car Program, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Maryland, California, Oregon, and Washington.
One Solution, Many Benefits
S.B. 663/H.B. 3424 would:
1. Put the Brakes on Global Warming: Reduce global warming pollution from passenger vehicles 30 percent.1
2. Improve public health: Reduce smog-forming emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) by thousands of tons per year.
3. Save consumers money: Cleaner Cars will save Illinoisans on average about $2000-$3000 over the life of the car because fuel savings more than offset the higher costs for a new vehicle. Used car buyers will see the most savings.
4. Reduce dependence on foreign oil: Adopting the Clean Car Program would reduce gasoline consumption in Illinois by 1 billion and 2 billion gallons annually in 2020 and 2030, respectively.1
5. Keep our hard-earned dollars in state: At $3/gallon, the Clean Car Program would save Illinois drivers $3 billion in 2020 and $6 billion in 2030. Money not spent on gasoline from out of state can be spent in Illinois to buy goods and services and create jobs.
6. Preserve vehicle choice and performance: For decades auto manufacturers have warned that cleaner car standards would spell the end to large vehicles and performance, yet cleaner SUVs and light-duty trucks are meeting the standards in other states. The National Academy of Sciences found that technologies available today can meet the Clean Car Program’s greenhouse gas standards without sacrificing performance or safety.
