The Environment Committee of European Parliament voted today to introduce mandatory CO2 emissions figures for new cars.
The original planned directive of 120g/km of CO2 by 2012 as the average fleet emission for passenger cars will stand despite attempts by lobby groups to weaken the proposals.
It also elected the introduction of a long-term target of 95g/km of CO2 by 2020 as the average fleet emission. Car manufacturers who fail to meet the targets will have to pay fines for every excess gram of CO2.
Following concerns expressed by the EU Parliament of Legal Affairs that the targets would be illegal if the committee pushed for the directive to be adopted under article single market rules (Article 95) , MEPs of the committee agreed that the new directive should be adopted under the environment chapter (Article 175 of the Treaty).
The move has been hailed as an essential landmark in the progression of greener transport. Welcoming the news, German MEP Rebecca Harms said:
“This vote is a watershed for climate protection in the European Parliament. MEPs have voted to introduce meaningful rules for tackling the damaging climate impact of cars by reducing their CO2 emissions. It is also a vote for European consumers: with oil prices so high, more fuel efficient cars will reduce the fuel cost burden for people who are dependent on cars.
“MEPs stood firm in the face of intensive lobbying from the car industry and voted to maintain the ambition of the original Commission proposal for reducing average CO2 emissions from cars in the EU: average emissions should be reduced to 130 g/km by 2012 through vehicle improvements with an extra 10 g/km reduction through additional measures. Climate scientists are telling us we need to take urgent action to prevent the most serious consequences of climate change. Tackling the rising CO2 emissions from cars is essential and this means introducing emissions limits sooner rather than later.We also welcome the introduction of the long-term target of 95g/km by 2020, which steps up pressure on the car industry to invest in innovation.”
Meanwhile the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) was disappointed by the outcome and expressed their concerns for the negative impact the measures could have on the motor industry;
“The MEPs missed the opportunity to help shape a realistic framework for the car industry enabling manufacturers to continue contributing to the CO2 reduction objectives of the EU to the best of their ability and with all the innovative might they possess”, said Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of ACEA.
“The European car industry calls on legislators to refrain from threatening the future of car production in Europe. The Environment Committee has given a wrong signal today. This is bad news for Europe, especially with the overall economic circumstances deteriorating already.”
“The auto industry has a lot to offer and its huge efforts should be encouraged, not opposed” , concluded Hodac.
