Vehicle emissions standards

A hearing on rulemaking issues relating to adoption of California standards regulating low-emission vehicles quickly evolved into a heated debate on the merits of the bill and the effects of emissions standards on the state economy.

The House Governmental Operations, Reform, Technology and Elections Committee approved the bill on Feb. 27 and referred it to the House Commerce and Labor Committee.

Rep. Melissa Hortman (DFL-Brooklyn Park) sponsors HF863 that would require adoption of California standards regarding low-emission vehicles; and provide for updates, as necessary, to comply with the federal Clean Air Act.

Rep. Mark Olson (IR-Big Lake), brandishing an actual hydrogen cell, was concerned that even California standards were not a lofty enough goal.

“We could exceed these standards far beyond,” Olson said. “I’ve gone out and seen these guys working on this technology and seen motors run on 60 percent gas and 40 percent water.”

Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Delano) questioned whether Hortman had thought about the effect the standards could have on the state economy, and the quality of life.

“Your goal is laudable and appropriate,” Emmer said. “But getting there and who you are going to destroy along the way is the question I have.”

Hortman responded by referencing the auto industry’s citing of costs to consumers as a reason not to adopt previous government standards.

“When we first heard about seat belts, the auto industry let us know that we would not be able to afford to buy cars if they had seat belts in them, same thing on air bags,” Hortman said.

Under the Clean Air Act, California is the only state that may adopt vehicle emission rules different from the federal rules. In 1977, Congress allowed other states to adopt the stricter California rules as well. At least 14 states have done so.

A companion bill, SF481, sponsored by Sen. John Marty (DFL-Roseville), awaits action by the Senate Environment and Natural Resources Committee.