EPA Rejects California Emissions Proposal; State to Sue

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has rejected California's effort to impose tighter vehicle emissions standards, in part because of new federal legislation aimed at raising vehicle fuel economy standards and reducing energy consumption. The San Jose Mercury News reports that "the Bush administration said the new energy bill signed Wednesday, with its increase in fuel economy and renewable fuels, does enough for now. . . But [California] officials say that comparison ignores a key difference that the courts have defended this year: The California standard goes beyond fuel economy, and is designed to reduce global warming." On Thursday, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that the state would sue the EPA over its decision. The Los Angeles Times reports that EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson's decision to reject California's proposal was in contradiction with his own staff's written findings and conclusions.

• SJ Mercury News: California Persists Despite EPA Rule
• CNN: Schwarzenegger: California Will Sue Federal Government
• LA Times: EPA Chief Said to Have Ignored Staff
• Bush Signs Fuel Efficiency, Energy Bill (FindLaw's Common Law Blog)
• State Vehicle Emissions Standards and Testing (FindLaw)