Bill Lockyer, California’s attorney general, is suing the automobile industry over California’s poor air quality. Lockyer says that the United States federal government and automakers have both failed in their responses to the global warming crisis. He continued, “Global warming is causing significant harm to California’s environment, economy, agriculture and public health. The impacts are already costing millions of dollars, and the price tag is increasing.”

Lisa Rickard, the President of the US Chamber Institute for Legal Reform, has blasted Lockyer’s radical approach by saying, “The election year decision to file a lawsuit against automobile manufacturers for causing global warming by a politician seeking office is a classic case of overreaching by a state attorney general.” She added, “At a time when the industry is looking for ways to cut emissions and promote alternative fuels, to single out the automobile companies for legal action in this way is the epitome of a frivolous lawsuit.”

The lawsuit is aimed at Chrysler, General Motors, Ford, and the American subsidiaries of Honda, Nissan, and Toyota. Similar to suits brought against tobacco companies, the suit seeks to hold car manufacturers liable for the damages caused by the amount of greenhouse gases expelled from automobiles. Being the richest and most populous state, California has more than 35 million people and 32 million registered vehicles. With Los Angeles often topping the list of the most polluted US cities, the environment is a big issue with California voters. Even Governor Schwarzenegger has had to break with his party on such issues, vowing to make California the first US state to adhere to the Kyoto Protocol.

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