The leading auto manufacturers argue that a case brought against them by California Attorney General Bill Lokyer for contributing to global warming shouldn’t go to court on the grounds that global warming is so important that they wouldn’t get a fair trial. Sounds reasonable enough.

An Oxford University survey has determined what many have long suspected: rich men are ruining the planet for everyone else. And they’re doing it primarily by flying.

“Beijing officials will withdraw one million cars from the city’s streets next month in a trial run as plans are drawn up to reduce pollution levels for next year’s Olympics.”

Plug-in hybrids are becoming more popular amongst environmentalists and those that want to do their part for the environment.

Ford has partnered with Southern California Edison to explore this technology. Ford expects the sell of rechargeable electric vehicles to be available in 5 to 10 years.

Vehicles entering Milan’s historic centre will now be charged a daily pollution fee of €10. The mayor announces this plan in an attempt to curb emissions.

The Canadian government’s ecoAuto program, announced more than four months ago, promises rebates of up to $2000 for those who purchase fuel-efficient vehicles. However, these buyers have yet to receive the rebate and are voicing their frustration.

Robin Browne, spokesman for Transport Canada states that the “government is working as quickly as possible,” and will “finalize the program in the coming months and aims to issue cheques in the fall.”

Ontario unveils a program that will distinguish drivers of environmentally friendly, low-emission cars with a green-hued license plate. It will also allow them access to free parking and driving on high-capacity commuter lanes.

Ontario’s proposed green licence plates, offering drivers of environmentally friendly cars special perks, may cause confusion in several states in the US. Ohio, Wisconsin and Alabama are planning to tag sex offenders the same way, with green-hued licence plates.

Miami, Minneapolis, San Francisco, Seattle and New York City were selected to participate in a new $848.1 million dollar federal initiative to fight traffic congestion.

“The program aims to cut traffic congestion using approaches like congestion pricing, transit, tolling, and teleworking.”

King County Executive Ron Sims is not endorsing measures to extend the Seattle light-rail line. Instead, he is backing projects that help reduce greenhouse gases. “His Transit Now package, a sales-tax boost to add bus service, won voter approval last fall. The new buses will be clean hybrids, he says.”