The California Air Resources Board ruled against the so-called “cool cars” rule that would have required automakers to use glazed windows to lower heat in vehicles and thereby reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The rule, which was supposed to be finalized by May 7, was scrapped not just because of resistance from automakers. Law enforcement warned that the special glazing could interfere with monitoring bracelets worn by felons in rural or mountainous areas, and that it could also degrade cell-phone signals from these areas, preventing people from dialing 911.
California’s tollbooth collectors also feared the regulation would interfere with the EZ Pass system and cause disruption on the state’s tollways.
The Air Resources Board says the state will begin to look at other ways to reduce emissions from air conditioning.