Canada's emissions legislation and California

Any step forward is a good step. That's about the only thing that can be said of Canada's new emissions regulations.

A 6% gain is really nothing more than PR for both the Canadian government and the auto industry.

California has created legislation that requires auto makers to cut emissions by 30%. While California gives the industry until 2016 to reach the new levels, Canada's change is required by 2010. Still, even doubling Canada's required reductions in double the time, is still just 12%, not even half of California's legislated requirements.

Will Canada's legislation undermine California?

I don't get Canada's legislation. Granted, I have not followed the story that closely, and while it has been reported that Wall Street was a bit rattled by the news, I see only bark, not any bite, in this deal.

If California's legislation is ultimately upheld against the automaker's lawsuit, Canada's requirements will be pretty much obsolete. If California wins, New York is almost certain to follow. Even just California; however, will require a fundamental shift in auto production that would ultimately affect all of North America.

Hybrid cars already achieve California's requirements for 2016. Vehicles, such as the Toyota Prius and the Honda Accord hybrid prove that we can clean the air cost-effectively.

Even SUVs and luxury vehicles can be part of the mix. The Escape hybrid, Highlander hybrid, and Lexus RX400h prove that the technology exists to fit American driving habits, while significantly polluting less.

Too many scientific studies are raising too many questions about the climate, pollution, and global warming. Technologies such as hybrid cars might cost more today, but their investment in protecting the future will easily pay off down the road.

What level of catastrophe will it take to force auto-makers, and many consumers, into real action? I'm not sure, but I don't really think a 6% improvement is anything.

Demand nothing less than hybrid car fuel efficiency!