EPA Kills State-by-State CO2 Mandates
Is automotive environmentalism moving forward in the United States? With the adoption of the 35 mpg CAFE standard, it may have looked as such, but states looking to set their own carbon dioxide emission standards - notably including California - were shot down this morning. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has ruled that waiving the Clean Air Act in favor of individual legislation would not be allowed.
(Click through to read more on the denial and to lend your take on CO2 standards)
EPA administrator Stephen Johnson cited the rejection as the Bush administration's intent to "move forward with a clear national solution --not a confusing patchwork of state rules -- to reduce America's climate footprint from vehicles."
California and several other states hoped to mandate their own levels starting in 2009. The rejection has sparked debate between state governments and automakers, the latter obviously pleased that they need not worry over state-by-state emission standards.
Politicians, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, have promised further investigation into the possibility of an appeal. Schwarzenegger said California is looking to sue the EPA for a reversal of the rejection.
Although it feasibly could be easier for automakers to meet stringent emission standards if they're set as a whole by a federal agency, should states be able to impose even stricter levels of allowable emission content? Sound off below.
+ Automotive News: EPA denies state CO2 rules (Registration required)
Comments
Seyth Miersma
I'm in the process of printing out that picture to hang from my wall. Job well done.
Bruce Armstrong
I may not have to leave California after all! When I see Arnie riding his chopper with loud pipes at the Rock Store next time, I'll remind him that he can buy a Prius if he wants to.....please leave the rest to George, who 'gets it' on this issue.......Don't the Big 3 have enough on their plate without having to fight their own government?
stevedbmw
Talk about STEROIDS!
Ducati Minor
Arnold came into the governor's office promising less government, but he's been pretty bureaucratic in his administration. I understand the need to with the opposing party in the assembly and their lobbyists ruling Sacramento, but the Governator has been going too far for my taste.
Larry
All of this for a hoax . . . but, if reputable scientists say it, we get the "denier" crap from the fuzzheads.
LandCrusher
Global warming is a hoax, but there is no Constitutional basis for not allowing states to set higher standards. The feds will lose this attempt to trample over states' rights, and W once again shows his family roots as big government loving, Rockefeller Republicans.
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