Rhode Island is the latest US state to consider following California's strict new automotive emissions laws, with the state making a decision on the matter in the next 30 days.

The state's Department of Environmental Management (DEM)has been hearing arguments for and against the new regulations, with automotive industry groups, environmental lobby groups and members of the public taking part in an open debate.

Figures cited by the DEM show that 80 per cent of the air pollution in Rhode Island emanates from cars, with the adoption of the new proposals potentially delivering a 16 per cent improvement over and above the current federal standards by 2020.

Automotive groups have been keen to emphasise the stringency of existing regulations, with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers (AAM) describing the new rules as "unnecessary" and pointing to the development of new technology as the way forward.

A spokesman told the Providence Journal: "The recently enacted federal clean air legislation will provide Rhode Island with more flexibility than the California regulations but with equivalent emissions requirements."

"The incentives needed to provide support to the mandate cannot be underestimated. Advanced tech vehicles are already available in Rhode Island, and as consumers continue to purchase these vehicles, the state will see significant emissions reduction."

However, a number of green lobby groups and some medical organisations such as the American Lung Association expressed their commitment to the new proposals.

Senator Lincoln Chafee also offered his support for the proposals, issuing a statement outlining his strong support for "federal incentives to spur on the next generation of advanced technology and alternative- fuel vehicles".

To date only Massachusetts, New York and Vermont have followed the lead of the California Air Resources Board (CARB).