California celebrates EPA waiver
on greenhouse gas emissions

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) granted a long-awaited waiver giving California the authority to implement its groundbreaking Clean Cars law.

“We’ve waited seven long years for this day,” said Coalition for Clean Air President and CEO Alberto Mendoza. Coalition for Clean Air co-sponsored the legislation in 2002 that led to the law, requiring carmakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and trucks 30 percent by 2016.

Granting California the waiver under the Clean Air Act allows the state to impose its standards, which are stricter than federal standards. It also sets the stage for the national vehicle GHG standard, based on California’s rule, that President Obama announced in May .

The momentous decision acknowledges California’s leadership in developing strong air pollution regulations. Since California adopted the law, thirteen other states and the District of Columbia have followed suit, vowing to implement the California standard in their states. With today’s waiver, they, too, can move forward. Together, these states comprise just more than 40 percent of the U.S. vehicle market.

“California is a global leader in developing effective strategies to reduce air pollution and global warming emissions. It is wonderful news that the Obama administration has given California the ability to continue leading in this area for the benefit of the entire country, and ultimately, the entire planet,” said Mendoza.

The Coalition for Clean Air celebrates this exciting step for our growing clean energy economy, the jobs it will create and the air quality improvements it will foster. The EPA’s decision will bring consumers the cars we demand while reducing harmful greenhouse gas emissions.