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NTC Carol M. Browner today issued the following statement regarding EPA-led negotiations to make available a cleaner car nationally

Release Date: 01/30/98
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FOR RELEASE: FRIDAY, JANUARY 30, 1998


EPA Administrator Carol M. Browner today issued the following statement regarding EPA-led negotiations to make available a cleaner car nationally:



"Most northeastern states now have indicated to EPA that they favor a significantly cleaner-burning car that would be available to all Americans. The auto manufacturing industry has the technology to make a cleaner, less polluting car, and we urge them to take this important step to protect the health of the American people. A car that burns 70 percent cleaner is good for public health and the environment, good for the economy, and good for the country."

EPA has been engaged in negotiations between northeastern states and the auto industry to see if a voluntary agreement could be reached to make a clean car available to the American people. Under these negotiations, the automakers now have until Feb. 17 to decide if they will enter into an agreement and make the cleaner car available nationally.

Northeastern states today were to indicate whether they support such a program. So far, EPA has received indications of support from Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Virginia and the District of Columbia, while Maine, Massachusetts, New York and Vermont have indicated that they would not choose to opt into the program.

EPA believes that the number of northeastern states favoring a national cleaner car program should provide adequate support to allow the auto makers to join this agreement and produce a cleaner car. The cleaner car, which produces substantially less smog-forming pollutants, would be available in the Northeast as early as this year and nationally by 2000 if auto makers elect to make it available.


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