SACRAMENTO - California's attorney general is suing the six largest U.S. and Japanese automakers for damages related to greenhouse gas emissions.

The federal lawsuit alleges that emissions from their vehicles have harmed Californians' health, damaged the environment and cost the state millions of dollars to combat their effects.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers says it needs more time to review the complaint, but that automakers already are building cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The lawsuit is the latest effort from California to combat the effects of global warming.

Last month, the state Legislature passed a landmark bill designed to regulate emissions of greenhouse gases from industries. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to sign the measure into law by the end of the month.