Senate overturns EPA denial of California greenhouse gas emissions request

The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee voted on legislation this week to overturn the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) denial of California’s waiver request to set its own greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards.

Senate Bill 2555, the “Reducing Global Warming Pollution from Vehicles Act of 2008,” instructs President Bush to sign the California waiver enabling the state, and others who have adopted the Clean Car Program, to move forward with more stringent GHG standards. The legislation passed by a 10-9 vote.

U.S. EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California’s request for a waiver on Dec. 19, 2007. The California program would require automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions from new models 30 percent by 2016, which would mandate a fuel efficiency standard of 42 miles per gallon. The California Clean Car Program established the precedent for super warranty programs. The Automotive Service Association has actively opposed state super warranty programs.

According to U.S. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, “Administrator Johnson’s decision to deny the waiver was not supported by the facts, by the law, by the science, or by precedent. Just this week we learned of more evidence that the Bush White House intervened to kill the waiver for California. Today’s action in the Environment Committee brings us one step closer to giving a green light to California and the other states so they can begin tackling global warming pollution from vehicles.”

To view the text of S. 2555, visit ASA’s legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com. Also included on the site is other information related to state Clean Car programs and ASA’s efforts to block state super warranty programs. The bill can be found by clicking on “Track Current Legislation.”