FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January 26, 2009

STATEMENT FROM GOVERNOR DAVID A. PATERSON REGARDING PRESIDENT OBAMA'S CALL FOR STRONGER EMISSIONS STANDARDS

“I applaud the action that President Obama has taken today to address climate change, the most pressing environmental issue of our time. By asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider its decision to block New York, California and 12 other states from aggressively strengthening car and light truck emissions standards, the President put our personal and environmental health above all else. Motor vehicles are the largest source of carbon dioxide emissions in New York and throughout the Northeast, and only by limiting tailpipe emissions and increasing gas mileage will it be possible to address the negative impact of motor vehicles on our environment.

“Since 2005 a coalition of 14 states, including New York, has sought to protect the planet by requiring reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles. Today’s green light from President Obama sends a strong signal to the public that global warming must be comprehensively addressed by every segment of our economy. In the process we will create scores of new green jobs and provide long term environmental protections.

“The race to cut greenhouse gas emissions begins anew today. We are proud that President Obama has signaled his commitment to ensuring that principles of good judgment and sound science prevail against political winds, and the people of New York are ready to stand beside him.”