SAN FRANCISCO—Global Exchange Campaign Director Nick Magel and Rainforest Action Network Campaign Director Sarah Connolly today released the following joint statement in response to the dismissal of the auto industry's lawsuit against California to block cleaner air and emission reductions mandated by AB 1493, also called the Pavley Law.

"This ruling brings us one giant step closer to ensuring cleaner vehicles for consumers and reducing global warming pollution in California.

"With 40 percent of California's greenhouse gas emissions coming from transportation fuels, establishing vehicle global warming pollution standards is critical to protecting the public health of Californians. Today's decision by the Fresno Federal Court is a signal to automakers that they must start building the clean, petroleum-free cars Californians want.

"With only 19 days left for the EPA to meet California's request for a waiver of federal pollution standards, this ruling adds to the pressure on the agency to support California and the 16 other states moving forward with groundbreaking global warming pollution reductions.

"Increased fuel efficiency prompted by emissions regulations can save the average car customer $5,000 over the vehicle's lifetime, at current gasoline prices."

Global Exchange and Rainforest Action Network were environmental defendant intervenors in the lawsuit along with the Sierra Club, Natural Resources Defense Council, Environmental Defense and Bluewater Network.

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The Freedom From Oil Campaign is working to end America's oil addiction, stop oil wars, and curb global warming by convincing the auto industry to dramatically improve fuel efficiency and eliminate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions. Launched by RAN, Global Exchange, and the Ruckus Society in 2003, the campaign is pushing automakers to break their addiction to oil, create more jobs, and meet consumer demand for green cars by producing more fuel efficient vehicles.