Global Warming In the News

They're running to the defense of cleaner, more efficient cars for New Mexico. More than a dozen environmental, public health and consumer groups have asked a federal court to let them help defend the state's "Clean Car" standards, which were adopted last year.

Environment New Mexico is one of the groups asking to be an "intervener-defendant" on a case brought by a group of auto dealers to challenge the program. Director Lauren Ketcham calls the auto dealers' suit "frivolous" and says the standards are in the best interest of all New Mexicans.

"It sets stricter standards for health-hazardous air pollutants, requires greater investment and production of advanced technology vehicles by manufacturers and would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

The car dealers say the tougher standards would increase the cost of buying a car and drive consumers to make the big purchase in other states. Ketcham says the increased cost would be more than offset by the savings in gas from more fuel-efficient cars.

Ketcham adds she's confident the court will uphold the program, and says it's a shame that time has to be wasted on litigation.

"It's discouraging. Rather than the auto industry simply rolling up their sleeves and working to deliver the clean, efficient vehicles that drivers want, and that frankly four dollar a gallon gas demands."

New Mexico was the thirteenth state to adopt clean car standards. Similar challenges in California and Vermont have failed.