Clean Car Campaign

Resolution in Support of Clean Car Campaign

WHEREAS the production, use, and disposal of motor vehiles are responsible for enormous impacts on the environment, human health and quality of life in the Great Lakes basin [drop in a more pertinent geographic boundary]; and

WHEREAS reducing these impacts will require comprehensive efforts to reduce sprawl, provide alternative transportation options, and minimize the impacts from vehicles themselves; and

WHEREAS a life cycle approach to promote a transformation of the motor vehicle industry to produce products many times greener than they are today is now needed; and

WHEREAS the motor vehicle industry plays a critically important role in the Great Lakes economy [change the geographic area, modify the statement, or delete this].

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that [your organization's name] supports the goals of the Clean Car Campaign, a campaign which challenges vehicle manufacturers to produce vehicles in the near-term that meet the Clean Car Standard, using the following criteria:

Fuel Efficiency, 1.5 times the fleet average for that vehicle's class
Tailpipe Emissions, meeting California's stringent tailpipe emissions standards (SULEV)
Clean Manufacturing, that includes best-in-class painting/coating, elimination of substances of concern, and design for recyclability/ recycled content;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [your organization's name] will join the Clean Car Campaign as an allied member;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [your organization's name] supports the Clean Car Pledge and will take steps to collect commitments from vehicle consumers to purchase green vehicles if made available;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [your organization's name] will work with fleet managers and purchasing agents to support the Clean Car Standard and the Clean Car Pledge;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [your organization's name] supports policy initiatives, such as financial incentives and extended product responsibility, that promote the goals of the campaign;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that [your organization's name] supports the development of a transition strategy to maintain and create jobs in the Great Lakes region [or another more appropriate geographic region] while moving to greener vehicles.

If your organization passes a resolution please fax a copy back to the Clean Car Campaign, 734-663-2414. Make sure to date the version that is passed. Thank you!

The Clean Car Campaign

Sample Newsletter Article

Below is a sample newsletter article that your organization can use. Please feel free to add additional information to this basic article to provide context or perspective that best suits your organization and its mission. If you need any additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for your help in building the Clean Car Campaign and in particular, the Clean Car Pledge.

So you need a car to get around - to go to the nearby state park, take the kids to birthday parties, to visit parents or grandparents on the weekends or holidays. But the car choices manufacturers and dealers are offering just do not match up to your needs and values.

You want a safe, economical vehicle that drives well, gets great gas mileage (above 40 mpg would be nice!), emits a fraction of tailpipe emissions compared to the average car, and is cleanly manufactured with non-toxic, recyclable materials.

You also want your car to last a long time, but know that when its useful life is over, it does not become an ecological disaster waiting to happen--and instead, can be easily recycled rather than added to the trash heap. "Impossible!" you say.

We say "Possible" and more than that, probable in the near future--but only with your help! Thousands of people are taking the Clean Car Pledge (See box/side bar and, or web site www.cleancarcampaign.org) to send the message to car manufacturers that they are not satisfied with their current choices. The Clean Car Campaign is using the pledge to advocate for big steps forward in fuel efficiency, reduced tailpipe emissions, and clean production--and away from cars that cause air pollution, global warming, and the production of toxic waste. To make these needs heard,

[ORGANIZATION'S NAME HERE] has joined the Clean Car Campaign and you can help by taking the Clean Car Pledge at http://www.cleancarcampaign.org/pledge.html.

First, the Clean Car Campaign is seeking cleaner manufacturing. Workers and people living near to auto manufacturers and their suppliers should not be exposed to hazardous or toxic chemicals. Many of the chemicals used in car production are known to cause cancer, neurological disorders and reproductive failures. Cleaner manufacturing processes are now available that eliminate the use of toxic chemicals, such as painting and coating without hazardous solvents. Use of these cleaner production practices should become an expectation when buying a car, and standard practice for manufacturers. See www.edf.org/greencar for information on the life-cycle impacts of the automobile, including pollution sources and solutions for manufacturing operations.

Second, we want cars that are much more efficient and have much lower emissions during use. Technologies exist today that can significantly improve fuel efficiency in any vehicle. New gasoline-electric hybrid engines, strong lightweight materials, and advanced emission control technologies are all available now. With these improvements, at least an additional 50% in fuel efficiency and 90% lower emissions than today's average vehicle can be achieved. Both Honda and Toyota are about to commercially launch hybrid electric vehicles in the U.S. Let's tell manufacturers here and abroad that we want to see all types of cars and trucks with these features. These improvements are a start and the Clean Car Campaign will not stop there. The Campaign will try to push the envelope in future model years.

Finally, every community has some token of a car's eventual end-of-life. It's a graveyard that spreads across America - tire mountains that catch fire, mountains of cars piled high or spread out across the edges of our communities. Reducing these mountains of materials will take work but is not insurmountable. Already the European Union is considering proposals that would require auto manufacturers to take responsibility for their vehicles at the end of life, including the phase-out of problematic hazardous materials like lead, mercury, and plastics such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). And recently, General Motors announced it will phase out the use of PVC in auto interiors by 2004; Ford may do the same. Let's get all manufacturers to set a date and design out PVC and other materials of concern that pose environmental and public health threats particularly at the end of a vehicle's life.

Greener transportation also means reducing driving overall. It will not be enough to shift to greener cars. In fact, a car's greenness depends on how it is used. Cars are greener when they carry two people instead of one, and greener still when they carry three. And greenest of all when left at home when there is a better way to go - by foot, bicycle, bus, train or by wire (telecommuting). If you are moving or relocating, use the opportunity to evaluate options for reducing your need for driving. Good maintenance and driving techniques can make a difference in your car's environmental performance.

So, take the Clean Car Pledge to make your voice heard. Go to www.cleancarcampaign.org or fax or mail back the pledge form in the sidebar. You will also find how you can get involved in bringing cleaner cars to market sooner. Then, make sure your next car or truck purchase is the greenest available that meets your needs. To get a green analysis of current models, visit the following Green Book website at: www.aceee.org/greencars. Please feel free to contact the Clean Car Campaign at info@cleancarcampaign.org.

We also encourage you to support, and if possible get involved with your local environmental, transportation, or sprawl organizations (or campaigns). These are listed below.

PLEASE CONTACT THE CLEAN CAR CAMPAIGN FOR SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION AND GRAPHICS.

Email: info@cleancarcampaign.org