Debate begins in Maryland house on "clean cars" bill

[Doondoo]

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) -- Maryland House members began debate Thursday on a bill to toughen emissions standards on new cars, a bill that's a top priority this year for environmental groups.

The so-called "clean cars" bill requires that by model year 2011, new cars sold to Marylanders exceed federal emissions standards. Almost a dozen states, including Pennsylvania, have plans to require the tougher standards.

If approved, the bill would add about $1,000 to the cost of new cars sold in Maryland after it takes effect. Supporters say the tougher standards, first used by California, would clean the air and reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming.

Leading Democrats, including Gov. Martin O'Malley, have said Maryland should join the other states in requiring tougher standards. In his State of the State address last month, O'Malley said, "By taking action, we can help children suffering with asthma. We can remove pollutants from the air and the bay. And we can join 11 other states in getting this done, this year."


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