Automakers Attack Proposal to Address Global Warming

Automakers on Wednesday attacked a California plan to regulate automotive emissions of global warming gases. The state's proposal 'clearly goes far beyond what is reasonable and achievable,' said Fred Webber, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, a lobbying group that includes all of the major automakers except Honda and Nissan. Mr. Webber spoke at a news conference a day before the California Air Resources Board is scheduled to begin two days of hearings on a plan to reduce automotive global warming emissions about 30 percent by the 2016 model year. A vote on the plan is expected Friday.