Air pollution: reduction of CO₂ emissions from passengers cars, Community strategy

The committee adopted a non-legislative report by Laura GONZÁLEZ ÁLVAREZ (GUE/NGL, E) on a Commission communication on a Community strategy to reduce CO2 emissions from passenger cars and improve fuel economy. CO2 emissions were not covered by the Auto/Oil Programme, but CO2 is the main greenhouse gas responsible for global warming. The report said that in the light of the current increase in CO2 "business as usual" was not an option. Rejecting the Commission's proposal for a voluntary agreement with the auto industry, the report calls on the Commission to ensure, through the establishment of graduated limits, that by 2005 the average CO2 emission of all new motor vehicles (diesel and petrol) in the EU is 120g per km.The committee also raises the possibility of linking car purchase tax and/or annual road taxes to emission levels so as to give consumers an incentive to buy less polluting vehicles. Fuel economy labelling and the use of speed limiters and econometers are recommended and the committee calls for a reconsideration of out-of-town shopping centres.�