MEPs reject weakening of 2012 'Cars and CO2' targets
Thu 25 September 2008
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European Parliament representatives have voted to retain the 2012 cap on average new car emissions of 130g/km despite strong pressure to phase-in the targets and reduce penalties for non-compliance. In a surprise development, the Environment Committee rejected the amendments to the European Commission's proposals which had been put forward by the Industry Committee.
The Environment Committee had been expected to bow to pressure from the motor industry for the regulations to be phased-in over three years until 2015. The verdict endorses the original proposal by the European Commission, the EU's regulatory arm.
MEPs have also demanded a long-term new car average emissions target of 95 g/km by 2020. However, this target will be subject to a review in 2014.
The Environment Committee rejected compromise amendments offering relief to bigger car manufacturers by imposing the emission curbs on 70 percent of the new car fleet in 2012 and 2013, 80 percent in 2014 and 100 percent beginning in 2015. The amendments had also sought a near halving of the planned fines.
After the vote, Chris Davies, a UK MEP said: "This is a big blow for corporate lobbying''.
Car manufacturers expressed dismay at the outcome. Ivan Hodac, Secretary General of the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) said: “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...The Environment Committee has given a wrong signal today. This is bad news for Europe, especially with the overall economic circumstances deteriorating already.”
Jos Dings, Director of the Brussels-based NGO, T&E, said: "The Parliament appears to have stood up to the demands of the car industry and four or five car producing member states and has sent a strong signal that Europeans need fuel efficient cars now, not in five or ten years time. The short-term target is achievable with currently available technology. The long term target agreed today should send the message to the car industry that it needs to change its ways and put all its efforts into developing the next generation of fuel efficient cars."
The committee's vote could set the European Parliament's final stance as it heads into negotiations with member states to decide the binding targets.
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