EPA rejects states’ greenhouse-gas limits on cars

The Bush administration Wednesday derailed an attempt by California and 12 other states to enact the nation’s first greenhouse gas-limits on new vehicles.

The efforts by states to regulate carbon-dioxide emissions that are considered a prime cause of climate change are not necessary in light of the energy bill just signed into law by President Bush, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency said.


“The Bush administration is moving forward with a clear national solution, not a confusing patchwork of state rules,” said EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson. “This is a better approach than if individual states act alone.”

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, a Republican, vowed to appeal, saying that the energy law doesn’t go far enough in curbing Earth-warming vehicle emissions. Environmental activists joined him in denouncing the administration’s decision.

California, which has more vehicles than any other state, adopted rules in 2004 that would have required automakers to start reducing greenhouse-gas emissions in new cars and light trucks by 2009. The rules would have cut emissions 30% by 2016.

USA Today