Carmakers and their allies have increased lobbying efforts to convince states that California’s proposal to cut emissions could further depress the industry, according to this Reuters report. Dave McCurdy, the chief executive of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said that the California initiative, still in the courts, would result in “a patchwork quilt of inconsistent and competing fuel economy programs,” that would lead to “confusion, inefficiency, and uncertainty for automakers and consumers.”
According to Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, the auto industry estimates that if the California initiative were passed, there would be job losses of between 60,000 to 100,000.
Governor Rendell of Pennsylvania said, “It’s baloney. It’s what the auto industry has been telling us for years and years.” 15 states have joined California in its lawsuit against the EPA for rejecting its emissions waiver request.