CLIMATE: EPA chief says no to California on tougher emissions rules!

On December 19, 2007 EPA administrator, Stephen Johnson, denied California a waiver from the Clean Air Act (CAA) that would have allowed the state (and others that wanted to follow) to enact stricter tailpipe emission standards than the federal government. In December, President Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act which mandated higher fuel efficiency standards for the first time in three decades.

The EPA denied the waiver based on these new federal standards, thereby saying that California has no 'compelling and extraordinary' needs above that of the rest of the country. California and 15 other states will sue the federal government to overturn the waiver denial. The EPA has granted over 50 CAA waivers in three decades.

EPA staff filed an endangerment finding at the White House today stating that greenhouse gases pose a threat to the nation's welfare. EPA staff concluded that the effects of climate change could hit California particularly hard, including by harming coastal communities and wildlife, increasing ozone levels, contributing to more wildfires, and reducing water supplies.

Approval of the finding by the White House would clear the way for states to enact their own stricter laws; but 16 states are suing to override, and a bill to override will be introduced in Congress.

Administrator Johnson made his ruling despite this finding by his staff. He testified today in front of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committees, chaired by Senator Boxer, that his decision was not politically influenced.

(classic Bacsik)