Administration to Reverse Bush Denial of California Clean Cars Waiver and Take Action on Other Clean Energy Initiatives
President Obama is expected to announce sweeping clean energy and global warming directives tomorrow morning, winning loud applause from Environment California. The centerpiece of the announcement will be a directive to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider a petition by California for the right to move forward on greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and trucks. Other important clean energy initiatives are also expected to be part of the morning’s event such as national fuel efficiency standards for automobiles.
“After being stuck in reverse for eight years when it comes to clean energy and global warming policy, President Obama has taken America from 0 to 60 in six days,” said Bernadette Del Chiaro, Clean Energy Advocate with Environment California. “From here on, science and not special interests will be in the driver’s seat in America.”
At a news event at the U.S. Capitol, President Obama is expected to direct the U.S. EPA to reverse a decision by the Bush administration that denied California and 14 other states including Washington, DC, the freedom to issue clean car standards stronger than the federal government’s. While the U.S. EPA still has to officially grant the waiver, a reexamination of the petition based on science will almost assuredly result in a positive outcome for the states.
“California has consistently led the way when it comes to global warming and clean energy initiatives, but our efforts were stymied by the Bush administration,” said Del Chiaro. “With the waiver reconsideration, we are confident that California can look forward to cleaner cars and cleaner air.”
The Clean Cars Program is a cornerstone of California’s plan to reach its 2020 greenhouse gas cap set by the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, more commonly referred to as AB 32. The regulations are expected to achieve a 23 percent reduction in global warming from new vehicles by 2012 and 30 percent by 2016 while saving California drivers an estimated $30 at the pump monthly according to the California Air Resources Board.
In addition to the waiver announcement, President Obama is also expected to move forward with tighter fuel economy standards and investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy.
“Solving global warming and reducing America’s reliance on fossil fuels with clean energy solutions is a powerful way for President Obama to both protect our environment and spur economic development,” said Del Chiaro. “We look forward to working with the President and his administration on additional landmark environmental initiatives in the near future.”
