The National Institute for Highway Safety argued in a federal appeals court against California requirements for zero-emissions vehicles on the basis that cars that meet those rules are small, light-weight and generally more dangerous for their occupants. The requirements were originally set to take effect in 2003 but major car makers won an injunction postponing them for two years. The state has appealed, and the arguments are being heard in federal court. Automakers are arguing that the state is usurping federal powers over fuel economy. But the Institute is opposed to a provision that essentially requires car makers to subsidize sales of smaller lighter vehicles that can only travel at low speeds and thus are exempt from many safety requirements. And California law permits them to operate on roads with speeds as high as 35 mph. (Author/publisher)
Samenvatting