Taking the burden of the entire planet’s global warming problems onto its ample Austrian-American shoulders, the state of California filed a lawsuit today against the six major automobile manufacturers, suing them for their contributions to global warming.

General Motors, Ford, Toyota Motor Corp., DaimlerChrysler AG, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co. have created a “public nuisance” by making millions of vehicles that emit huge quantities of carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas that increases the temperature of the earth’s atmosphere, according to a complaint filed today in U.S. District Court in Oakland.

The state argues that the federal government isn’t doing squat to slow down emissions by mandating fuel economy increases, so that automakers are not stepping up to the plate on their own, so California felt compelled to take action. But will the whole planet see a cut of the settlement?

Getting the automakers to work harder to produce fuel efficient cars is admirable, but this kind of mega-suit is as likely to create global warming awareness as it is fodder for late night comedians.

Besides, should Toyota and Honda really be on the same list as GM and Ford? After all, Toyota builds the Prius, while GM builds the Hummer. May we recommend a separate class action against every asshole that bought a Hummer?

California Sues GM, Ford, Toyota Over Global Warming [Bloomberg]

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