EU to Move up Tougher Car Emissions Standards
Date: 08-Nov-06
Country: BELGIUM
The Commission proposed "Euro 5" vehicle standards in December, which would slash emissions of particulates from diesel cars by 80 percent and nitrogen oxides (NOX) by 20 percent. They would also cut NOX and hydrocarbon emissions from gasoline or petrol-powered cars by 25 percent.
But EU ministers and members of the European Parliament, which must approve the rules, have called for the next round of standards to be brought forward at the same time, to make it easier for EU states to meet air pollution targets.
EU Industry Commissioner Guenter Verheugen had previously refused the requests by member states, telling environment ministers in June that impact assessments were still required.
"A large majority of member states and the environment committee of the European Parliament have requested to reduce limits even more and to adopt a Euro 6 stage together with Euro 5," the EU executive said in a statement on Tuesday.
"The Commission endorses this new approach," it said, adding it was "actively working" to reach an agreement with governments and the parliament over the issue.
The Euro 6 standards would set tighter NOX emissions limits on diesel cars and would enter into force in 2014/2015.
The Commission said impact assessments showed the Euro 6 standards would cause the price of new diesel cars to increase by roughly 600 euros (US$765.7) in a gradual process up to 2015. Air quality benefits would also increase significantly.
A Commission spokesman said the body was unlikely to make a new written proposal but would give its approval to a parliament version with the tougher standards included.
