EU To Set New Vehicle Carbon Dioxide Emission Standard In 2012

November 12, 2007 5:22 p.m. EST

Rome, Italy (AHN) - The European Commission is pushing for a legislative proposal on December to set a new vehicle carbon dioxide emission standard by 2012. Five years from now, the group wants the benchmark set at 120 grams per kilometer, European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso said at the ongoing 20th World Energy Congress in Rome.

Only 8 percent of cars running now in Europe can meet that standard. The European Union proposed a compromise limit of 130 grams on March. According to the European Automobile Manufacturers Association (EAMA), the average vehicle in Europe discharges 160 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer. Larger and heavier luxury models like BMW and Mercedes Benz emit more than 200 grams.

Sigrid de Vries, a spokeswoman for the EAMA, said, "If the proposal goes through as it stands, it's too stringent. It's a really short time - you'll push jobs and production out of Europe." The EAMA has 13 members, including Ford, BMW and Volkswagen.

Mr. Barroso, in his keynote address, said Europe will spearhead global efficient use of energy and conservation. Managing the energy environment and mitigating the worst effects of climate change, he said, "is the greatest challenge of our generation."

The World Energy Congress, the biggest industry gathering on the power sector, has been convening every 5 years since 1924. This year's meeting comes at a time when oil prices are selling almost $100 per barrel in the international crude market.

The European Commission president called on developing nations such as China and India to regulate their carbon dioxide discharges while pursuing economic development.

Current global usage of oil is 150,000 liters per second, according to Rex Tillerson, chairman of Exxon-Mobil.

The congress runs until Thursday. It has the theme "The Energy Future in an Interdependent World." Aside from discussions, there is a parallel exhibit of energy technology and equipment.