State House News Service 

AUG. 17, 1999--The Cellucci administration today announced that beginning in 2004, large sport utility vehicles and some pickup trucks will have to meet the same tough new emission standards as smaller passenger cars.  The decision pleased environmental advocates.

The so-called California standards won't affect vehicles manufactured
before the 2004 model year.  While many of the most popular types of small SUVs, from Ford Explorers to Chevrolet Blazers and Nissan Pathfinders, already voluntarily meet passenger-car standards, environmental advocates said mandatory restrictions will lead to more compliance and as a result, cleaner air.

"The governor has shown the people of Massachusetts that he cares about
public health and the environment," MassPIRG's Michelle Toering told about 100 advocates clustered around a large  red inflatable SUV at the base of the State House steps.  "We've seen overwhelming support from the public."

Advocates have been running a publicity campaign criticizing auto manufacturers for taking advantage of federal laws exempting some SUVs and light trucks from the emission standards.  Environmentalist had called
today's rally to urge Cellucci to close the loophole, but turned the event
into a celebration after learning that the governor would support their
position.

Under state law, the state Department of Environmental Protection is
required to adopt the toughest standard available, and advocates had been
waiting for DEP to decide between the California standards and proposed
federal regulations.  MassPIRG had gathered 35,000 signatures from Massachusetts residents who favor the California regulations.

"This summer, we've been harnessing the public support that's out there,"
said MassPIRG advocate Rob Sargent.  "We're not going to argue with
results.  Once you've got something like this in motion, you can't stop it.
It's fun to celebrate."

Toering said about 1,000 Bay State residents die each year from illnesses
caused by air pollution.  She said closing the loophole and implementing
tough emission controls for all autos will protect residents by removing
730,000 pounds of toxic pollutants like benzene from the air annually.

Under the California standards, for example, passenger vehicles may to emit
up to .035-.043 grams/mile of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like
benzene, compared to the current limit of up to 0.195 grams/mile for SUVs
and trucks weighing more than 6,000 pounds.  Currently, cars and small SUVs can emit up to .075 grams of VOCs/mile. 

Toering and Sargent said adding new emission controls to the large SUVs and light trucks will only increase the vehicles' already substantial sticker
prices by a few hundred dollars.  Toering added that MassPIRG was satisfied with the 2004 model year implementation date because it usually takes auto manufacturers several years to alter vehicle assembly lines.
A Cellucci spokesman said MassPIRG's efforts had little to do with the
governor's decision.

"There's been an ongoing analysis by the Department of Environmental
Protection where they looked very closely at the national standard and the
California standard," said Cellucci spokesman Jose Juves.  "They've
determined that California's standard does the best job of reducing
pollution.  Cars are one of the biggest contributors to air pollution.  By
adopting the tough standard, we go a long way to cleaning our air."

Toering and others said MassPIRG will now focus on ensuring Cellucci
follows though on his commitment to clean up the state's five dirtiest
power plants.

"There's still a lot of work that needs to be done in Massachusetts," said
Linda Setchell of Clean Water Action.  "Gov. Cellucci needs to take the
further steps to clean up those power plants."
 

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