GMC's 2008 Sierra 1500 already meets the year 2016 clean cars standards when running on E85 Introduction:
Issue/Current Legislation:
Unfortunately due to lack of finding information on my previous topic of coorelating the environment and physical activity with students, I chose to switch to Clean Cars for Minnesota. I went back and found some information from Healthy People 2010 focusing on environmental health and the harmful air pollutants. I next found a related topic for enhancing the Minnesota Clean Car Act; which is requiring decreased emission of criteria air pollutants and green house gas pollution from new motor vehicles. Information for the act, Rep. Melissa Hortman, H. F. No. 690. It is stating that Minnesota should adopt statewide vehicle emisions standards that are more protective than the federal standards. Beginning in 2012, the clean car stanards will require that all new cars and light-duty trucks sold or registered in MN will be manufactured in a way that results in a 30% reduction in emissions by 2016.
Who is affected by the issue?
-The car industries are affected most for the gain and potentially some loss. From my understanding of the things I’ve come across, the technology is already there to make the change to these new vehicles to come. Car manufacturers can reach these standards by making improvements to a car's (TRUCKS, SUV’S, VANS etc) engine, tires, transmission, and air conditioning systems (the list goes on and on). These technologies are readily available and currently in-use by automobile companies worldwide. If they come out with a new model of car each year, why not use the technologies available to make them reduce the pollutions? I’m trying really hard to think critically about the issue and really know nothing about how to make a car. But I would assume there are different ways to make a “Cleaner Car” so that could potentially make some jobs or have a possible loss in jobs.
What are the consequences of the issue?
If nothing is done about the harsh pollutions in the air:
-Public health: The people of Minnesota are at risk for these high rates of pollutants –cancers, asthma, lung disease etc.
-Environment: The lakes, rivers, and streams from the impacts of global warming from the car emissions—as well as animals and forests
What is the economic impact of the issue?
-It is said that there would be a slight increase in the purchase cost of some vehicles
-A clean cars standard would result in a net savings to consumers due to reduced operations costs from fuel efficiency.-Less dependence on foreign oil
-Will reduce at least 13 million metric tons of global warming pollution and other air pollutants and save consumers more than $260 million by 2025 (MCCAG).
What is the social impact on the issue?
-Minnesota will join 14 other states in adopting more protective vehicle emissions standards, authorized under the federal Clean Air Act.
-Consumer and auto industries bear the costs but in the end can both get benefits
What are the barriers?
-Of course MONEY is always a main barrier and topic in every one of these sub-topics of the issue
-Cars/Trucks/Vans made before 2016 where will they go?
-Is there a way to upgrade the “old” cars—how much money will it be?
-Consumers going elsewhere to buy their cars
Overcoming barriers:
-By 2016 there could be some sort of “reward” or stipend for consumers to upgrade their car.
-ALL states in the US could try and get this bill passed..14 (almost 15) down 36 to go!
What are the resources?
-State Representative Melissa Hortman
-Clean Energy for Minnesota
-In both of these websites they provide great information and ways to get involved and stay updated on these issue
What is the history of this issue?
-The auto industry has a history of fighting every advancement and innovation, including seat belts and airbags. This should be just as important as seatbelts and airbags. We need to put our foot down and take action!- At the same time manufacturers say they can’t meet the clean cars standards, they are also publicizing the introduction of these new technologies at auto shows, in press releases, and on their websites.
Allies & Opponents:
Allies-Minnesota Citizen and other state citizens—finding data from the other 14 states of this working for a decrease in pollutants
Opponents- Some Minnesotan citizens, some of the car industries
Recommendations:
VOTE YES for H.F. 690. Air pollution will continue to threaten the public health in Minnesota, while global warming pollution could harm the future of what makes Minnesota so unique—(Bringing it close to home in Duluth) Boundary waters, Lake Superior, Lake Superior Hiking Trail, Jay Cook Park, Chester Bowl..and that is just a few in Duluth! Adopting the Clean Cars program would be a big step to address these challenges to come. Some little steps that make a big difference in correlation to the Clean Cars program—using public transportation, car pooling, bike, walk…We’re in this together, lets take our “Minnesota Nice” to the next level and be nice to our health and environment.
Please feel free to give me some feed back and ideas for these topics!
Issue/Current Legislation:
Unfortunately due to lack of finding information on my previous topic of coorelating the environment and physical activity with students, I chose to switch to Clean Cars for Minnesota. I went back and found some information from Healthy People 2010 focusing on environmental health and the harmful air pollutants. I next found a related topic for enhancing the Minnesota Clean Car Act; which is requiring decreased emission of criteria air pollutants and green house gas pollution from new motor vehicles. Information for the act, Rep. Melissa Hortman, H. F. No. 690. It is stating that Minnesota should adopt statewide vehicle emisions standards that are more protective than the federal standards. Beginning in 2012, the clean car stanards will require that all new cars and light-duty trucks sold or registered in MN will be manufactured in a way that results in a 30% reduction in emissions by 2016.
Who is affected by the issue?
-The car industries are affected most for the gain and potentially some loss. From my understanding of the things I’ve come across, the technology is already there to make the change to these new vehicles to come. Car manufacturers can reach these standards by making improvements to a car's (TRUCKS, SUV’S, VANS etc) engine, tires, transmission, and air conditioning systems (the list goes on and on). These technologies are readily available and currently in-use by automobile companies worldwide. If they come out with a new model of car each year, why not use the technologies available to make them reduce the pollutions? I’m trying really hard to think critically about the issue and really know nothing about how to make a car. But I would assume there are different ways to make a “Cleaner Car” so that could potentially make some jobs or have a possible loss in jobs.
What are the consequences of the issue?
If nothing is done about the harsh pollutions in the air:
-Public health: The people of Minnesota are at risk for these high rates of pollutants –cancers, asthma, lung disease etc.
-Environment: The lakes, rivers, and streams from the impacts of global warming from the car emissions—as well as animals and forests
What is the economic impact of the issue?
-It is said that there would be a slight increase in the purchase cost of some vehicles
-A clean cars standard would result in a net savings to consumers due to reduced operations costs from fuel efficiency.-Less dependence on foreign oil
-Will reduce at least 13 million metric tons of global warming pollution and other air pollutants and save consumers more than $260 million by 2025 (MCCAG).
What is the social impact on the issue?
-Minnesota will join 14 other states in adopting more protective vehicle emissions standards, authorized under the federal Clean Air Act.
-Consumer and auto industries bear the costs but in the end can both get benefits
What are the barriers?
-Of course MONEY is always a main barrier and topic in every one of these sub-topics of the issue
-Cars/Trucks/Vans made before 2016 where will they go?
-Is there a way to upgrade the “old” cars—how much money will it be?
-Consumers going elsewhere to buy their cars
Overcoming barriers:
-By 2016 there could be some sort of “reward” or stipend for consumers to upgrade their car.
-ALL states in the US could try and get this bill passed..14 (almost 15) down 36 to go!
What are the resources?
-State Representative Melissa Hortman
-Clean Energy for Minnesota
-In both of these websites they provide great information and ways to get involved and stay updated on these issue
What is the history of this issue?
-The auto industry has a history of fighting every advancement and innovation, including seat belts and airbags. This should be just as important as seatbelts and airbags. We need to put our foot down and take action!- At the same time manufacturers say they can’t meet the clean cars standards, they are also publicizing the introduction of these new technologies at auto shows, in press releases, and on their websites.
Allies & Opponents:
Allies-Minnesota Citizen and other state citizens—finding data from the other 14 states of this working for a decrease in pollutants
Opponents- Some Minnesotan citizens, some of the car industries
Recommendations:
VOTE YES for H.F. 690. Air pollution will continue to threaten the public health in Minnesota, while global warming pollution could harm the future of what makes Minnesota so unique—(Bringing it close to home in Duluth) Boundary waters, Lake Superior, Lake Superior Hiking Trail, Jay Cook Park, Chester Bowl..and that is just a few in Duluth! Adopting the Clean Cars program would be a big step to address these challenges to come. Some little steps that make a big difference in correlation to the Clean Cars program—using public transportation, car pooling, bike, walk…We’re in this together, lets take our “Minnesota Nice” to the next level and be nice to our health and environment.
Please feel free to give me some feed back and ideas for these topics!
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