SAN FRANCISCO — California’s attorney general said yesterday he will pursue a lawsuit against the six largest US and Japanese automakers in which the state seeks millions of dollars in damages caused by vehicle emissions of greenhouse gases.“We think we have a solid case, and we’re going to pursue it vigorously,” Jerry Brown said at a news conference. “The ultimate objective is ... to prevent the catastrophic consequences of this global warming problem.”

California is the world’s 12th largest producer of greenhouse gases, and more of those emissions come from vehicles than any other source. The lawsuit marks the first time a state has sought monetary damages for the effects caused by such gases emitted by cars and trucks.

In December, automakers sought to dismiss the suit filed by Brown’s predecessor, Bill Lockyer, now California’s treasurer. Yesterday, Brown’s office filed its response.

Brown also wants to meet with the automakers to discuss a possible settlement and ways to address climate change. On Wednesday, he sent a letter to attorneys representing the automakers, asking to meet personally with the chief executives of General Motors, Ford, DaimlerChrysler, Toyota, Honda, and Nissan.

“As I review the litigation and learn more about the disputes, I am struck by the need for California and the automakers to work together to address the profound environmental challenges posed by global warming,” Brown said in the letters.

Lockyer sued the auto companies in September in US District Court, saying he wanted to hold the auto industry accountable for what scientists say is its contribution to climate change.

The lawsuit claims California will spend millions of dollars fighting the changes that global warming is expected to bring to the state. Warmer winters are expected to melt the Sierra snowpack earlier each year, leading to flooding in the Central Valley and threatening the state’s water supply for cities and farms.

Lawmakers already are debating how to ensure that California has enough water in the future, especially with the state’s population expected to hit 55 million by 2050.

In December, automakers filed a motion seeking to dismiss the California lawsuit.

Dave Barthmuss, a General Motors spokesman, said executives would consider meeting with Brown and were “always willing to engage in an open and honest debate.”

He said GM remains firm in its belief that the original lawsuit “lacks any merit.” He said the company is willing to collaborate with California on more emission-reducing technologies.

Automakers also have filed their own lawsuit challenging a 2002 California law that requires reductions in emissions from cars and light trucks. The auto industry says this can be met only through increased fuel-economy standards, which is the domain of the federal government. The state has countered that emission reductions can be achieved in other ways.

Lockyer’s filing of the lawsuit against the automakers shortly before the November election prompted speculation that his action was politically motivated. In his letter to the automakers, Brown avoided criticising his predecessor but suggested he is not eager to go to trial.