Assembly Committee reviews auto emissions cap

In an odd twist of political fates in Sacramento, Republicans and men of the cloth went head-to-head over, of all things, automotive emissions:

The Assembly Transportation Committee on Monday reviewed a state cap on automotive greenhouse gas emissions without much of the debate that has dogged the controversial rule.

All 14 people - mostly environmental advocates, business executives and the clergy - who testified supported the cap. Adopted by the Air Resources Board in September, it requires automakers to curb output of carbon dioxide and other climate-warming gases from cars and trucks sold in the state beginning with model year 2009...

Several Republicans on the committee questioned how the regulation's cost was calculated. Air board staff estimates it will add $1,050 to the price of the average vehicle by 2016, a cost that will be more than offset by savings in fuel expenses. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers maintains the added average cost per vehicle will be $3,000.