EPA to let California tighten pollution law

WASHINGTON – — The Environmental Protection Agency will announce Tuesday that it is granting California’s request to begin imposing new, tougher restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks — a decision that reverses the Bush administration and opens the way for the state to regain its role of leading the way on global warming policy.

Under the standards, which the state had developed during the Bush administration but had been denied permission to implement, new cars and trucks sold in the U.S. will be required to improve their fuel efficiency gradually over the next seven years, reaching an average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, a 40 percent increase over present levels.

EPA officials say granting the so-called “California waiver” will restore a 40-year-long interpretation of the Clean Air Act that gives the state wide latitude to promulgate stricter air pollution rules than the federal government.

“It preserves California’s role as a leader on clean air policy,” particularly on motor vehicles, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said. “It feels good to know that we are able to move past — address — this issue, responding to the president’s call.”

Chicago Tribune