Criticizing the EPA
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- December
- 21
Gov. Eliot Spitzer is criticizing the EPA for refusing to grant California a waiver for the strict motor vehicle standards it adopted.
New York and 11 other states had adopted the same standards. After they were upheld by the courts, most recently this month, the EPA blocked them.
It’s the latest in a battle with the Bush administration over how to address climate change.
Govenors, mayors and other politicians, Democrats and Republicans, are increasingly looking for what they can do without the backing of the federal government.
“That EPA would deny this request because, in its mind, there are no ‘compelling and extraordinary conditions,’ is incomprehensible,” Spitzer said in a statement. “The challenge of climate change is upon us, and is clearly worsening with time.”
The EPA administrator said this week a federal standard was preferable to individual state actions. A new federal energy bill sets a goal of 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks by 2020.
The California law would have cut carbon exhaust 30 percent by 2016.
PHOTO: Associated Press/Mike Groll











