In his first major step for the environment, Gov. Martin O’Malley put his full suport behind the Clean Cars Act. The General Assembly passed the bill in February.

Environment Maryland has worked on this legislation for the past three years. We spearheaded the introduction of the bill, pushed it close to passage in 2005, then helped build the coalition of groups that was ultimately able to generate enough support to win.

Throughout the process, we released five research reports, coordinated thirteen hearings and press conferences, and facilitated thousands of comments from constituents in key legislative districts.

Partner organizations worked hard mobilizing citizens, educating decision makers and keeping this issue in the public eye.

“Normally nothing gets finalized in Annapolis until the last week of the session,” said Environment Maryland State Director Brad Heavner. “The fact that this was mostly said and done with a month to go speaks volumes about what a great policy it is.”

The House passed the bill on Feb. 20, by a vote of 122 to 16. The Senate followed six days later with a 38 to 9 vote. Amendments were attached to the bill to ensure it will have its intended effect, but no amendments passed that would weaken the program.

Cleaner cars, cleaner air
The Clean Cars Act will reduce global warming pollution by 4.4 million tons per year by 2016 when it is fully phased in. It will also reduce smog-forming pollution by 3,600 tons per year and cancer-causing pollution by 100 tons per year by 2025 compared to federal standards.

Maryland now joins 11 other states that have adopted the Clean Cars Program. The program adds carbon dioxide, the primary cause of global warming, to the list of pollutants that are covered by vehicle emission standards. It also strengthens the standards for other pollutants and requires that a percentage of new cars sold each year be advanced technology vehicles such as hybrids.

Auto manufacturers fought hard against the bill, hiring a team of lobbyists and distributing grossly inaccurate information. Ultimately, lawmakers saw through this misinformation and embraced the benefits projected from the legislation.