California dreaming

State leaders urge Obama administration to act quickly on emissions waiver 4

Muckraker: Grist on Politics

Top California officials are already lobbying the Obama administration to approve the state’s aggressive emissions program, a lobbying effort that began even as the president’s pick to run the Environmental Protection Agency has yet to receive Senate confirmation.

California Air Resources Board Chair Mary Nichols today sent a letter to EPA Administrator-designate Lisa Jackson pleading the state’s case to move forward with its tailpipe emissions rules. The Bush administration in December 2007 turned down the request, and ever since then California’s leaders (and officials from 13 other states that also want to pursue standards tougher than the federal rules) have been pleading their case. The plan is aimed at achieving a 30 percent reduction in vehicle greenhouse-gas emissions by 2016.

“We feel strongly that under its new leadership, EPA will recognize that the decision made by the former administrator to deny California the waiver to enforce our clean car law was flawed, factually and legally, in fundamental ways,” said Nichols in her letter [PDF].

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) also sent a letter today on the subject, addressing his to President Obama.

“Your administration has a unique opportunity to both support the pioneering leadership of these states and move America toward global leadership on addressing climate change,” wrote Schwarzenegger. “I ask that you direct the U.S. EPA to act promptly and favorably on California’s reconsideration request so that we may continue the critical work of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global climate change.”

In her confirmation hearing last week, Jackson said she would reconsider their request. Obama promised on the campaign trail to urge approval of the waiver.

Kate Sheppard is Grist’s political reporter.

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  1. Eubie Green Posted 3:31 am
    22 Jan 2009

    Not Just UsDon't forget that 13 other states and the District of Columbia have adopted California's standards, so this is a team effort. Together we represent more than half of the nation's vehicle buying power. Plus, I don't know about you, but this frog is all about saving money ... and more efficient cars cost less to drive.

    My motto: It's easy to be green

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  2. zenduck Posted 4:31 am
    22 Jan 2009

    Credit where it is (and isn't) dueThis article (I'm sure inadvertently) perpetuates the illusion nurtured by Ahnold and his minions that he is the sole mover and champion of GHG reduction in CA.  In fact he has been very much a follower rather than a leader.  A hell of a lot of people have worked a hell of a lot harder than the Governator on this issue (which he is, in the best Hollywood tradition, trying to take all the credit for), but if you're going to single out one person as the catalyst for the momentous actions taken by the CA State Legislature on GHG reduction, it's the author of AB 1493 (which created the tailpipe emission law) and AB 32, Senator Fran Pavley.  Former Speaker Fabian Nunez was very much a Johnny-come-lately on the latter bill, though he deserves credit for creating the political climate in which it could pass.

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  3. ken1 Posted 5:19 am
    22 Jan 2009

    Zengood points in your comment. Politicians are generally followers, not leaders. By following polls, you are a follower, not a leader. That's built-in.
    Terry Tamminen, Arnold's old environment advisor and author of Lives Per Gallon, shouldn't be forgotten either.
    http://www.terrytamminen.com/projects/livespergallon/defa ...



    -- Sustainability Best Practices & Peer Network --

    SustainLane Government

    http://www.sustainlane.us

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  4. racc Posted 5:49 am
    22 Jan 2009

    Increase Funding for Transit ArnieNow if he would only increase funding to transit rather than trying to cut it. This will reduce emissions now, not five years from now. We need an action hero, not a guy that urges others to take action while refusing to take political leader in his own station.

    It is not about us, it is about everyone.



    http://www.everyoneforever.org/

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