California sues EPA over car emissions

[jpak]

http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSN0822454120071108

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California sued the Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday, demanding a quick federal decision that would allow the nation's most populous state to limit greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.

"California is ready to implement the nation's cleanest standards for vehicle emissions, but we cannot do that until the federal government grants a waiver allowing us to enforce those standards," Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said.

The long-threatened legal action follows a 2005 California law requiring new vehicles to meet tighter standards for emissions, starting with 2009 models introduced next year.

California needs a waiver from the federal government because it is seeking to impose stricter standards than U.S. law. The legal filing asks the court to force a EPA decision on the matter.

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[OKIsItJustMe]

1. California, other states sue U.S. on car emissions

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=post&forum=115&topic_id=120489&mesg_id=120489

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Sixteen other states have either adopted or are considering similar emissions rules, and many joined the lawsuit.

"We are filling the void left by the Bush Administration's refusal to protect the environment," New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo said in a statement.

"If the federal government won't lead on this critical issue, it should get out of the way of states like New York that are moving forward with sensible steps to address the climate crisis."

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