Today the state of Illinois joined 13 other states in suing U.S. EPA to
compel the agency to act on the states’ petition to implement their own,
more protective standards for automobile pollution.
“U.S. EPA has simply refused to do its job in this case, and the states
are ready to move forward to protect their citizens and the
environment,” said Rebecca Stanfield, Director of Environment Illinois.
“We are glad to see Illinois join the fight,” she continued.
The Clean Air Act allows states with poor air quality to choose between
complying with federal vehicle emission standards and adopting the more
protective standards—known as the Clean Cars Program—implemented by the
state of California. In late 2004, California adopted
first-of-their-kind standards requiring cars and light-duty trucks to
limit emissions that contribute to global warming. Since then, 11 other
states have adopted the California tailpipe emissions standards.
The U.S. EPA has been sitting on California’s application for a waiver
under the Clean Air Act, which will permit the state to require stricter
global warming emission standards for new vehicles. Without the Bush
administration’s stamp of approval, California—and the other 11 states
that have adopted the Clean Cars Program—will not be able to take this
important step toward cutting global warming pollution from tailpipes.
“Clearly, the states have every right to pursue stronger environmental
protections for their citizens and it is time for the Bush
administration to get out of the way,” concluded Stanfield.
