The State of California wasted no time on Wednesday, asking the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant a request denied by the Bush Administration that would allow the state to impose its own, tougher limits on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles.
If the waiver is granted, it will clear the way for California and 13 other states to regulate the lowering of emissions by 30% by 2016.
Former EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied California's request in 2007.
New EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson has said she will review the
waiver decision. She comes from New Jersey, which is one of the states
that plans to follow California's lead if the waiver is given.
Mary Nichols, California's top air quality regulator, said she thinks President Barack Obama's administration will grant the waiver by May.
California has determined that carmakers can reduce emissions to the proposed level with existing technologies, such as paints that reflect more heat, tires that roll smoother and improved air conditioning units.
Nichols said the improvements would add a little over $100 to the price of a car and would pay off within a year through improved efficiency.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger also asked for the waiver review in a letter sent to President Obama.
"I ask that you direct the U.S. EPA to act promptly and favorably on California's reconsideration request so that we may continue the critical work of reducing our greenhouse gas emissions and their impact on global climate change," Schwarzenegger wrote.
