California
Air Resources Board Adopts New Auto Glass Regulations
June 26, 2009
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has adopted a regulation
that will require new cars sold in California, starting in 2012,
to have windows that reflect or absorb heat-producing rays from
the sun.
Under the terms of the regulation, over a three-year period starting
in 2012, windows in new cars sold in California must prevent 45
percent of the sun's total heat-producing energy from entering the
car, with the windshield rejecting at least 50 percent of the sun's
energy. In 2016 car manufacturers will be required to install windows
in new cars sold in California that prevent at least 60 percent
of the sun's heat-producing rays from entering the cars interior,
or propose alternative technologies to achieve an equivalent result.
The regulation is designed to help keep cars cooler, increase their
fuel efficiency and reduce global warming pollution, according to
CARB.
"This is a common-sense and cost-effective measure that will
help cool the cars we drive and fight global warming," said
CARB Chairperson Mary D. Nichols. "It represents the kind of
innovative thinking we need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
our vehicles and steer our economy toward a low-carbon future."
The initiative is part of the state's efforts under its climate
change legislation, AB 32, enacted in 2006, to reduce greenhouse
gas emissions from vehicles.
According to CARB spokesperson Stanley Young, the regulations also
apply to replacement glass. He advised the CARB staff also is working
to develop a labeling system so that glass parts that meet the regulations
can be identified accordingly.
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