Montana could follow California on greenhouse gas rules

Montana could soon become the latest state to adopt California emissions rules if a recently-introduced bill becomes law. California still hasn't received the go-ahead from the EPA to even regulate carbon dioxide emissions but Montana Senate Bill 180 would make CO₂ a regulated pollutant. If the EPA reverses a late-2007 ruling, automakers will have to achieve a fleet average of 44 mpg by the end of the next decade in order to meet the California standards. Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer supports the senate bill and sent a representative to testify at a recent hearing. While Montana would simply adopt the standards set by California, state regulators would have to ensure that automakers meet the standard in the state based on sales. The Montana bill would also extend beyond cars an regulate emissions from commercial and industrial sources.

[Source: Green Car Congress]