California Sues Auto Industry Over Global Warming

On Sept. 15, a California assistant attorney general asked a federal district court judge in Fresno to dismiss a law suit by the auto industry on its new global warming law. Now California has taken the offensive - suing the six largest automakers using the "public nuisance" approach because of the harm that will befall the state due to climate change.

"Global warming is causing significant harm to California’s environment, economy, agriculture and public health," said the state’s attorney general, Bill Lockyer.

"Vehicle emissions are the single most rapidly growing source of the carbon emissions contributing to global warming, yet the federal government and automakers have refused to act."

"Mr. Lockyer contends that the products of the six companies are responsible for a fifth of the carbon dioxide emissions nationwide and nearly a third of the emissions in California, which has more vehicles than any other state.

He said he would seek at least "tens of millions" in damages for past, current and future contributions to air pollution, beach erosion and reduced water supplies."

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers "labeled the accusations a 'nuisance suit' similar to an unsuccessful attempt by several Northeastern states to hold utilities liable for environmental damages."

"This fall the U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear arguments in Massachusetts v. Environmental Protection Agency which addresses whether the federal government must regulate carbon dioxide as a pollutant."