New auto-emissions rules

The California Air Resources Board passed the toughest auto-emissions laws in the nation on Jan. 27 with an eye on a 75 percent reduction in smog-forming pollutants and a 50 percent reduction in greenhouse-gas emissions by 2025.

The new rules, called the Advanced Clean Car program, will ensure that one in seven new cars sold in the state will produce zero tailpipe emissions, according to ABC News. Many automakers like Ford Motor Corp., Chrysler Group LLC and General Motors Co. supported the new standards in testimony, while detractors like the California New Car Dealers Association said CARB is overestimating consumer demand for “clean” vehicles and the regulations will force the price of all cars higher.

“Our research shows a $1,400 to $1,900 car price increase,” said CARB spokesman David Clegern. “But over the life of the vehicles, the owners save $6,000 in reduced fuel and maintenance costs.”