A spokesman for the European Commission confirmed Reuters reports that proposals from the EC about whether or not to mandate CO2 emissions of cars and trucks sold in Europe have been delayed. Ministers are discussing the possibility of imposing laws forbidding the sale and distribution of cars and trucks in Europe that emit more than 140 g per km of CO2.
The proposals were originally scheduled for communication tomorrow, but they will now be communicated in about two weeks.
As it stands now, automotive industry associations, such as Europe's leading association ACEA, have agreed to voluntarily meet the emissions target of 140 g of CO2 per km by 2008. By 2012, that level is supposed to decrease to 120 g per km.
"There are concerns the caps will not be met in time," the spokesman said.
In two weeks, the EC will decide whether or not to suggest legislation mandating the emissions caps. If mandates are recommended, the next step will be a draft of a bill that will then be proposed later this year, the spokesman said.
