Judge hits brakes on car dealers’ lawsuit against state rule boosting fuel efficiency

A state district judge dismissed a lawsuit from the Colorado Automobile Dealer Association. On Monday, Denver district judge Martin Egelhoff wrote that the merchants' association did not have a legal position to challenge the rule, meaning it did not show that the rule would harm their legally protected interests.

The trade association filed a lawsuit after the Colorado Air Quality Control Commission approved a rule last November to boost the fuel efficiency standard for cars sold in the state.

The auto dealers association said in its lawsuit that the rule, based on the California standard, will raise the price of vehicles for dealers and buyers. But environmental organizations said the new rule would ensure that vehicles will emit less greenhouse gases that change the climate, even if federal standards are reversed.

Travis Madsen, transportation program director at the Southwest Energy Efficiency Project appreciated the court’s decision and this will help to save the fuel for coming years.

The lawsuit named the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, the state air quality control commission and the air pollution control division.

Garry Kaufman, director of air pollution control division, said in his statement that they are happy with the decision and will now pursue the zero-emission vehicle standard.

In August, state regulators plan hearings to consider adopting California’s zero-emission vehicle standard.