GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF NORTH CAROLINA

SESSION 2007

H                                                                                                                                                    1

HOUSE BILL 2526*

Short Title:     Motor Vehicle Emissions Study.		(Public)
Sponsors:	Representatives Harrison, Martin, Samuelson, Thomas (Primary Sponsors);  Alexander, Bryant, Carney, Coleman, Cotham, Fisher, Glazier, Hall, Insko, Luebke, Underhill, Weiss, and Womble.
Referred to:	Environment and Natural Resources.

May 26, 2008

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT to direct the environmental review commission, in consultation with the department of environment and natural resources, to study the costs and benefits of the adoption of california motor vehicle emissions standards in north carolina.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.(a)  Definitions. - As used in this act:

(1)       "California motor vehicle emissions standards" means the functional equivalent, if implemented in this State, of the low-emission vehicle program established under the laws of the State of California as set forth in final regulations issued by the California Air Resources Board pursuant to Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations and promulgated under the authority of Division 26 of the California Health and Safety Code.

(2)       "Federal emissions standards" means the regulations as set forth in Parts 85 and 86 of Title 40 of the Code of Federal Regulations (1 July 2007 Edition).

(3)       "Federal fuel efficiency standards" means the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards, as set forth in Chapter V of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (1 October 2007 Edition).

SECTION 1.(b)  Study. - The Environmental Review Commission, in consultation with the Division of Air Quality of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, shall study the costs and benefits of the adoption of the California motor vehicle emissions standards in this State.  The Commission shall determine:

(1)       The projected emissions of carbon dioxide for each year through the year 2020 from motor vehicles in North Carolina if the California motor vehicle emissions standards were adopted in North Carolina, as compared to emissions of carbon dioxide projected for the same period from motor vehicles in North Carolina if the California motor vehicle emissions standards are not adopted. In making the comparison, the Commission shall factor in any reduction of emissions of carbon dioxide in North Carolina that are projected to result from the implementation of the federal emissions standards and the federal fuel efficiency standards.

(2)       The projected increase in costs to North Carolina sellers and purchasers of new vehicles if the California motor vehicle emissions standards were adopted in North Carolina.

(3)       The projected reduction in quantity and cost of fuel to North Carolina consumers if the California motor vehicle emissions standards were adopted in North Carolina as compared to the quantity and cost of fuel if the California motor vehicle emissions standards are not adopted. In making the comparison, the Commission shall determine quantity and cost of fuel during the first five years of the useful life of the vehicle and over the projected useful life of the vehicle.

SECTION 1.(c)  Commission may employ consultants. - In the conduct of this study, the Commission may employ independent consultants as provided by G.S. 120-32.02 and G.S. 120-70.44.

SECTION 1.(d)  Advisory committee. - The Commission may convene an advisory committee of interested parties to assist in the design and implementation of the study.

SECTION 1.(e)  Report. - The Commission shall report its findings and recommendations, including any legislative proposals to the General Assembly, on or before 1 April 2009.

SECTION 2.  This act is effective when it becomes law.