Maine has an opportunity to take a major step in reducing air pollution from cars, promoting energy-efficient vehicles and reducing the threat of global warming. On Dec. 1, the Maine Board of Environmental Protection will decide whether to adopt global warming tailpipe emission standards for all new cars and trucks sold in Maine.

These standards will reduce global warming pollution 30 percent by 2016 as compared to the 2002 fleet. Other benefits of these “cleaner cars” include fewer toxins and pollutants in our air that contribute to smog and haze and exacerbate our already high levels of asthma and other respiratory diseases.

By adopting the stricter emission standards, Maine would join other states, including Vermont and California, in recognizing that the vehicles we drive are a significant contributor to global warming – 31 percent of all global warming pollution generated in Maine comes from our cars and trucks.

Maine has already taken steps to address global warming by passing the first-in-the-nation law recognizing the threats of global warming and adopting a specific action plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With rising gas prices, growing dependence on foreign oil and increasing concern about the threat of global warming, now is the time to require all automakers to deliver cars and trucks that address these problems. The global warming tailpipe emission standards are the second priority in Maine’s Climate Action Plan. Let’s continue to show leadership and urge the members of the Maine Board of Environmental Protection to adopt the global warming tailpipe emission standards for all new cars and trucks sold in Maine.

Nancy D. Bliss, Brunswick