Today EPA is finalizing the necessary federal regulations for a voluntary clean car program called the National Low Emission Vehicle (``National LEV'') program, which is designed to reduce smog and other pollution from new motor vehicles. The program will come into effect only if the northeastern states (members of the Ozone Transport Commission or ``OTC'') and the auto manufacturers sign up for it. The National LEV regulations allow manufacturers to commit to meet tailpipe standards for cars and light light-duty trucks that are more stringent than EPA can mandate. Manufacturers have said they would be willing to commit to the program if the OTC States also make binding commitments to the program. Once the program comes into effect, it would be enforceable in the same manner as any other federal new motor vehicle program. After spending years helping to develop the program, the OTC States and the auto manufacturers must now decide whether to commit to it and allow the country to benefit from significant reductions in pollution. National LEV would also achieve the same (or better) emission reductions in the Ozone Transport Region (OTR) as would OTC State adopted new motor vehicle programs. Under National LEV there would be substantial harmonization of federal and California new motor vehicle standards and test procedures, which would enable manufacturers to design and test vehicles to one set of standards nationwide. The program would demonstrate how cooperative, partnership efforts can produce a smarter, cheaper program that reduces regulatory burden while increasing protection of the environment and public health.