EU to force Europe´s car to cut C02 emissions over 20% by 2012

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Source: CCTV.com | 02-08-2007 09:32

European car-manufacturers may soon face stricter laws to make sure that what they make does not spell further disaster for the environment.

The European Commission met in Brussels on Wednesday. They're proposing bold new rules to force Europe's car-makers to cut CO2 emissions from cars sold in the EU by just over 20 percent by 2012. This means stepping up research to develop more fuel-efficient engines and increased use of biofuels. Already, the industry is up in arms, warning of price-hikes, and job-losses.

There's been dissent even within the Commission. Opposition from the Industry Commissioner, Gunter Verheugen, saw his Environment counterpart, Stavros Dimas compromise lifting the emissions limit from 120 to 130 grams per kilometer. But Dimas insists cars with lower emissions spell savings in the long run.

Stavros Dimas, EU environment commissioner, said, "More fuel efficient cars are good news for consumers. Not only will people be reducing their contribution to climate change that threatens us all, they will also pay less in fuel bills."

And it's global warming that's a top priority, following an alarming report last week by an international panel on climate change. President of the European Commission, Jose Manuel Barroso, has urged the EU to prove itself a true leader in the race to save the planet referring to the latest plan as just part of its commitment to a so-called "low-carbon economy".

But this is an ideal that seems far away even now. EU members have already failed to meet a voluntary target set to expire next year. And the new binding limit will need approval from each member state before it can become a full-fledged law.

Editor:Du Xiaodan