News from New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

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Statement by New York State DEC Commissioner Pete Grannis in Response to Judge William Sessions' Decision

Grannis on Green Mountain v. Vermont

ALBANY, NY (09/12/2007; 1906)(readMedia)-- “The court's decision today affirms the right of New York, Vermont and other states to require the manufacturers of motor vehicles to reduce the emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from the vehicles they manufacture. Motor vehicles are the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in New York and elsewhere in the northeastern United States. In the absence of action by the federal government, action by New York and other states to require the reduction of those emissions is an essential part of an effective strategy to deal with the multiple threats posed by global climate change.”

Automobile manufacturers brought this lawsuit after the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and Vermont issued regulations requiring reductions in motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. New York State joined in the case brought by automobile manufacturers against the Vermont regulations and the decision resulted from a team effort by New York and Vermont, supported by various environmental organizations.

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