UK support ‘critical’ for EU green action
The UK will be the deciding factor in an EU debate on carbon dioxide emissions standards for new cars tomorrow, with green groups calling on the government to hold firm.
Written by France, the proposal allows for car manufacturers to make little to no changes to newly manufactured car emissions before 2012 and extends the goal for auto industry product development to 2020.
Many environmental groups consider these standards to be too relaxed and are hoping the UK will oppose the French proposal.
“Europe’s decision-makers must stand up to countries that want to put the interests of the car industry ahead of those of the planet and its people,” said Friends of the Earth’s Senior transport campaigner Tony Bosworth.
Should the UK side with France, tougher environmental standards will not pass but if the UK sides with the opponents of the proposal than changes can be forced to the French plan.
“The EU must put its foot down and insist on tougher standards,” Mr Bosworth added.
The current proposal is more lenient than both previous projected regulations by the European Commission and the European Parliament’s Environment Committee.
