Welcome Taskforce Members!
As you may know, the reason the Michigan legislature has brought you together is to advise the lawmakers regarding a bill before our body. State Senator Leif Treehugger has proposed that Michigan adopt an automobile emissions plan similar to that of California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is responsible for developing emission standards for new cars and trucks purchased or registered in that state. These standards are generally more stringent than those issued by the Environmental Protection Agency and has allowed California to improve its air quality for over thirty years.
The legislature is aware that there may be considerable debate over this issue. As a state that is dependent on the automotive industry for many jobs and a considerable source of state revenue, this proposal may radically change the economic demographics of the state. At the same time, there is reason to believe that we could benefit by promoting our "cleaner" image as an environmentally friendly state of trees and blue skies.
Sen. Treehugger has additionally proposed that we lead the way in this nation by promoting the development and sale of electric cars, hybrid gas/electric and alternative fuel vehicles. He proposes tax credits for verified use of carpooling as well as preferential parking and special highway lanes. (These links are just to get you started, please find more and see the additional links at the bottom of this page.)
Your taskforce is made up of the following members:
The legislature would like you to present a 20 minute condensation of your findings and recommendations to the group. Please allow several minutes to respond to a short question and answer period.
Additional Links
STAPPA/ALAPCO: State/Local Air Pollution
Control Agencies
California Air Resources Board
Plain English Guide
to The Clean Air Act
Air Pollution: The Silent
Killer
Spare the Air in the Bay Area
Association of Local
Air Pollution Control Officials - Members
Air Trends
Make a Difference
State of Michigan
Libertarian Party
Alternative Fuels
AFLCIO
Created By Cheryl Hach,and Mark G. Peeters
E-mail: Cheryl Hach,and Mark G. Peeters
Kalamazoo Area Math and Science Center