A US federal judge has supported the automotive industry's move to challenge the strict rules placed on it by the Californian government.

The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers (AIMA) is suing the state over strict regulations due to be brought into force in 2009 which strictly limit the amount of emissions produced by vehicles.

Regulations adopted by the California Air Resources Board are designed to cut the level of pollution caused by vehicles by 22 per cent by 2012, rising to 30 per cent by 2016.

However, the AIMA argues that such rules cannot be enforced by the Californian government because they constitute fuel economy standards for cars and trucks, something that is pre-empted by federal law.

Judge Anthony Ishii has set a trial beginning on January 30th 2007, reports Reuters.

Earlier this month, it was revealed that California is seeking to sue six top US car manufacturers, seeking compensation for the amount of harmful emissions their vehicles produce.

Ÿ Adfero Ltd