cars
A 1960s effort to ban gas-powered cars offers lessons for today
In the late 1960s, California Senator Nicholas Petris nearly succeeded in banning gas-powered cars, a battle echoing today’s climate debates.
In short:
- Nicholas Petris pushed for a ban on gas-powered cars in California starting in 1975, responding to growing concerns over smog and air pollution.
- Despite initial ridicule, Petris’ bill passed the state Senate but was ultimately defeated due to intense lobbying by the auto industry.
- The movement to phase out gas cars gained traction nationwide, influencing future emissions standards.
Key quote:
“The damage has been done The car is now looked upon like some kind of dangerous drug.”
— San Jose car dealer, reflecting on public sentiment
Why this matters:
The struggle to phase out gas-powered cars has a long history, revealing that industry resistance and public advocacy play critical roles in environmental change efforts.
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Credit: Manuel Velasquez/Unsplash
Houston reverses plans to move away from cars under new mayor
Houston’s progress toward reducing car dependency has stalled since Mayor John Whitmire took office, impacting transit and bike infrastructure projects.
In short:
- Houston halted bike infrastructure projects and delayed a $7.5 billion public transit expansion after Mayor John Whitmire’s inauguration.
- Federal funds are available for cities to diversify transit, but Houston’s leadership now focuses on road repairs over alternatives to cars.
- Advocates worry this shift threatens Houston's climate goals and limits transportation options for vulnerable communities.
Key quote:
“We have choices in all other parts of our lives, but when it comes to transportation, we only have one option.”
— Joe Cutrufo, cycling advocate
Why this matters:
Houston's transportation decisions reflect broader national challenges in reducing car dependency. Failure to diversify transit options could hinder efforts to address climate change and public health.
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Credit: Andreas Lischka/Pixabay
Virginia to drop California’s emissions rules by year’s end
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the state's plan to abandon California's vehicle emissions standards by the end of the year, citing an opinion from the Attorney General.
Denise Lavoie and Sarah Brumfield report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Governor Youngkin stated that Virginia will cease following California’s vehicle emissions standards starting January 1.
- The decision was based on an opinion from Attorney General Jason Miyares that Virginia isn’t obligated to comply with California’s new mandates.
- The move has been criticized by Democrats and environmental advocates as illegal and detrimental to public health.
Key quote:
“Virginia is declaring independence – this time from a misguided electric vehicle mandate imposed by unelected leaders nearly 3,000 miles away from the Commonwealth.”
— Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin
Why this matters:
California's standards are known for their stringent limits on vehicle emissions, including greenhouse gases and other pollutants that contribute to respiratory issues and climate warming. By aligning more closely with federal standards, which are generally less rigorous, Virginia may see increased vehicle emissions, potentially affecting air quality and public health.
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Europe's urban revolution against cars
In a bold move, European cities are increasingly adopting strategies to reduce car usage, aiming to cut air pollution and combat climate change.
Jon Henley, Stephen Burgen, and Lisa O'Carroll report for The Guardian.
In short:
- European cities are implementing various strategies like congestion charges, parking restrictions, and promoting public transport and cycling to reduce road traffic.
- These measures are driven by the need to address air pollution and climate crisis, despite resistance from some sectors viewing cars as symbols of personal freedom.
- Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels serve as case studies, each with unique approaches and challenges in reducing car dependency.
Key quote:
". . . car ownership has been falling of its own accord in big cities for some time. If there are acceptable alternatives – bikes or public transport – urban families are simply not replacing old cars. They don’t need another one, and it’s expensive.”"
— Pierre Zembri, professor of urban planning and transport at the University of Paris
More Top News:
Visit Environmental Health News for the latest breaking news on environmental health and climate change.
Keep reading...Show less
Europe's urban revolution against cars
In a bold move, European cities are increasingly adopting strategies to reduce car usage, aiming to cut air pollution and combat climate change.
Jon Henley, Stephen Burgen, and Lisa O'Carroll report for The Guardian.
In short:
- European cities are implementing various strategies like congestion charges, parking restrictions, and promoting public transport and cycling to reduce road traffic.
- These measures are driven by the need to address air pollution and climate crisis, despite resistance from some sectors viewing cars as symbols of personal freedom.
- Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels serve as case studies, each with unique approaches and challenges in reducing car dependency.
Key quote:
". . . car ownership has been falling of its own accord in big cities for some time. If there are acceptable alternatives – bikes or public transport – urban families are simply not replacing old cars. They don’t need another one, and it’s expensive.”"
— Pierre Zembri, professor of urban planning and transport at the University of Paris
More Top News:
Visit Environmental Health News for the latest breaking news on environmental health and climate change.
Keep reading...Show less
An EV slowdown? Battery makers are cool with that
The news that big auto companies like General Motors and Ford Motor are slowing their electric vehicle rollouts has one group a bit relieved: battery-makers.
Photo by Kyle Grozelle on Unsplash
New SUVs are ‘reversing climate progress’ by emitting more pollution than old cars
Charity calls for more taxes on SUVs, making them more expensive to operate which would provide an incentive for consumers to choose greener options.
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