Press Release: Cal/EPA Applauds Honda LEV Action

For Immediate Release (C-22-97)
Contact: Communications Office (916) 324-9670
July 17, 1997

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 324-9670
FAX (916) 445-5563

Reacting to news announced today that American Honda Motor Co. will sell its 1998 Accord vehicles meeting California's stringent Low Emission Vehicle (LEV) standard in all 50 states, the California Environmental Protection Agency's Acting Secretary for Environmental Protection Peter M. Rooney said:

"This is heartening news for the nation and our ongoing campaign to improve air quality, and Honda is to be commended for their leadership role in bringing low-emission vehicles to the consumer. Clearly, they have the confidence to take the technical know-how developed to meet California's clean air standards nationwide."

California's LEV program really is an understand clean-air success story. The reduced tailpipe emissions from new cars and light trucks is making a stellar contribution to our clean air goals. By 2000, new cars sold in California will emit only 25 percent of the most harmful pollutants which come from 1993 California vehicles. This on top of a remarkable 90 percent emission reduction made from 1966 to 1994.

California will gain additional benefits not just with our in-state fleet, but from visitors and new residents who are driving these new LEV vehicles. The nation gains because of our world-leading standards. We encourage other auto manufacturers to join the parade.

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