The state of California sued the six largest U.S. and Japanese automakers Wednesday, claiming carbon dioxide emissions from the vehicles they make are harming the health of Californians and damaging the environment in the Golden State. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in California, argues that the companies have violated public nuisance laws by contributing to global warming and seeks tens of millions of dollars in damages.
“We can’t wait another 10 years, it is time to hold these companies responsible for their contribution to this crisis.” said California Attorney General Bill Lockyear.
In the suit, California said the top six automakers produce vehicles that emit a total of 289 million metric tons of carbon dioxide in the United States each year — accounting for 92 percent of all auto emissions. Those emissions represent almost 20 percent of the carbon dioxide emissions in the United States and more than 30 percent of emissions in California, the suit said.
The suit appears to be trend in states pressing for greater corporate citizenship, bearing a striking resemblence to when states sued the tobacco industry for contributing to escalating health care costs.
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger who had purchased a fleet of eight Hummers for official transportation ended the hypocrisy by announcing the sale of the vehicles which achieve just 10 mpg and emit three times the average carbon dioxide.
Read the full story at AutoInsider.
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