http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=1100&u_sid=2327206Published Thursday | February 8, 2007
EU eyes global-warming rule for cars
BRUSSELS, Belgium (AP) - Global warming rules were proposed Wednesday that would force automakers to cut the carbon dioxide emissions of new cars sold in the European Union by 2012.
The plan faces strong opposition from the auto industry, and EU officials acknowledged it probably would lead to higher-priced new cars.
Members of the European Commission, the EU's executive body, noted last Friday's U.N. report by a panel of scientists, which said Earth's rising temperatures almost certainly are the result of human action and would have effects lasting for centuries.
European automakers say consumers resist small, lower-emission cars such as Daimler-Chrysler's Smart car.
"Winning the battle to prevent dangerous climate change . . . will require very substantial reductions of greenhouse gases. All sectors of the economy should participate, and transport is very important," said EU Environment Commissioner Stavros Dimas.
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