New Energy Future In The News

Wheaton, IL -

A Clean Car bill has crept its way back into discussion in Illinois.

After being denied the ability to pass the legislation in 2008, Illinois, along with 13 other states, may have another chance to discuss the bill, which, if passed, would tighten tailpipe emission standards within the state. 

President Barack Obama has handed down a directive to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency which asks them to rethink its denial of states' ability to pass a Clean Car bill, which it had initially denied under former president George W. Bush's administration.

State Rep. Sandra Pihos, R-42nd District, of Glen Ellyn, was a co-sponsor of the Clean Car bill in Illinois, which was first brought to the Illinois House of Representatives by state Rep. Karen May, D-Highland Park, in 2007. 

Pihos says that her best guess is that the bill will be showing up again in the near future, and added that she would gladly co-sponsor it again if it is the same as last year's bill.

“We need to readdress it,” said Pihos. “I try to be fair and am open (to hearing) both sides of the issue.”

Pihos said that there may be opposing arguments in the tough economy.

The group Environment Illinois released a statement saying it applauded Obama's actions. The statement also said the bill would save Illinois residents more than $1 billion per year on gas and urged the General Assembly to pass the Clean Cars bill in Illinois as soon as possible.

Brian Granahan, staff attorney for Environment Illinois, says that if Illinois were to become the 15th state to implement the laws, it could be very influential for other states passing the bill.
“Illinois would play a big part in getting other states to follow,” says Granahan.

Opponents of the bill have stated that if passed it would drive up the price of cars, hurting already slumping car companies and making prices more expensive for consumers.  According to the Associated Press, car sales in the United States were down 18 percent in 2008.

“We have enough challenges (in the auto industry) right now without having to raise costs,” said Dan Schomer, a sales manager at Sunrise Chevrolet in Glendale Heights.

Schomer said that at the same time, there are huge upsides to further restricting emission levels, such as being better for the environment and lowering gas prices.

“We care about the environment and we want to play a part in making things better,” said Schomer.

Schomer added manufacturers will need time to prepare and adjust future models, and for that reason doesn't see the change occurring for another couple of years.

President Obama said that he is not looking to hinder car companies in a time of crisis, but rather help them better prepare for the future.

State Rep. Randy Ramey, R-55th District, of Carol Stream, agreed with Schomer that it will probably take a few years for car companies to fully progress and said that legislation like Clean Car puts undue stress on car companies during hard times. 

“Right now, you're going to add costs onto the vehicle unless you come back around with a tax break for (those who purchase) the cars,” said Ramey. “You aren't helping the consumer and you aren't helping the car industry, which is already in a bind.

“Car companies are gearing up for it, but to get us to that point, you need to give those tax breaks to people.”

State Rep. Tim Schmitz, R-49th District, of Batavia agreed that there needs to be a tax break if car prices are driven up. 

“If something like this were to happen where cars would be more expensive in the short term,” said Schmitz, “there needs to be some sort of perk for the consumer.”

State Rep. Paul Froehlich, D-56th District, of Schaumburg, hopes if the bill is passed that it will be applied evenly, so as not to put Illinois companies and consumers at a disadvantage.

“I think we're better off if we can get federal standards that do the job rather than state by state,” said Froehlich. “We couldn't count on the Bush administration.

“Let's see if the new administration will take the appropriate measures. I'm hopeful that the Obama administration will take environmental protection more seriously.”