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PR EPA TAKES ANOTHER STEP TOWARD POSSIBLE CLEANER CAR

Release Date: 12/16/97
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FOR RELEASE:  TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1997

 EPA TAKES ANOTHER STEP TOWARD POSSIBLE CLEANER CAR


The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today finalized the legal framework that would make enforceable a voluntary agreement that may be reached between auto manufacturers and Northeastern states for production and sale of an automobile that would be up to 70 percent cleaner than cars currently on the road. If all manufacturers and all Northeastern states that are part of the Ozone Transport Commission (OTC) “opt in" to such a program within 60 days, the cleaner car could then be produced and made available for sale in all states except California, where by law cleaner cars already are available. EPA for the past three years has led discussions among the manufacturers, OTC states, environmentalists and other interested parties in an effort to broker a voluntary agreement that would lead to a cleaner car. If an agreement is reached, the first cleaner cars would be produced for next year.
EPA wishes to thank the many people who have worked to advance the prospects of an agreement. The Agency hopes this opportunity will be achieved to provide cleaner air and protect the health of Americans. EPA encourages the OTC states and the auto makers to opt into this program.

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