">Forum Views ()
">Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
EPA approves California pollution rule
Yahoo!
My Yahoo!
Mail
Yahoo! Search
Search:
Sign InNew User? Sign Up
News Home -
Help
Navigation
Primary Navigation
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Secondary Navigation
Africa
Europe
Latin America
Middle East
North America
Search
Search:
EPA approves California pollution rule
By H. JOSEF HEBERT,Associated Press Writer AP - Wednesday, July 1
WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency took a major step toward tougher reductions in greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks Tuesday by giving California the green light to impose new requirements that could become the national model for combatting tailpipe pollution linked to global warming.
ADVERTISEMENT
The EPA granted California's long-standing request _ denied by the Bush administration _ for a waiver to allow it to pursue more stringent air pollution rules than required by the federal government. It cleared the way to implement immediately a 2002 state pollution law requiring new cars to increase their fuel economy 40 percent by 2016.
State regulations to implement the law have been in limbo for five years because the Bush administration refused to provide a waiver required by the federal Clean Air Act. Thirteen other states and the District of Columbia have said they want to impose the same requirements as California once the EPA gave the go-ahead.
"This decision puts the law and science first," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in a statement, suggesting that Stephen Johnson, her predecessor at EPA, had ignored historic and traditional legal interpretations on how the Clean Air Act should address the issue when he denied the waiver in March 2008.
Granting California's request "is consistent with the Clean Air Act as it has been used for the last 40 years," Jackson said.
"After being asleep at the wheel ... the federal government has finally stepped up," said California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, noting the state first requested the waiver in December 2005.
The California regulation requires automakers to increase the fuel economy of cars and trucks sold in the state by 40 percent to an average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016. Improved auto fuel efficiency results in less carbon dioxide being emitted from vehicle tailpipes because less fuel is burned for every mile traveled.
The EPA decision also is viewed as setting the stage for tougher national vehicle fuel economy requirements promised by President Barack Obama in May when he announced an agreement to push through federal standards at least as stringent as those being enacted in California.
Jackson said the California waiver decision "reinforces the historic agreement on nationwide emission standards" announced by Obama. That agreement has the support of automakers, many of the states and environmentalists. Obama said he wanted nationwide regulations boosting the average fuel economy of new cars and small trucks to be 35.5 mpg by 2016, four years ahead of what Congress required as part of a new energy law in 2007.
But automakers reacted cautiously to Tuesday's action.
"We are hopeful the granting of this waiver will not undermine the enormous efforts put forth to create the national program," Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said in a statement. He said the federal approach agreed to in May "moves us towards a policy that ensures that consumers in all 50 states have access to highly fuel efficient vehicles at an affordable price."
But environmentalists said the decision to give California the go-ahead for putting into place its emission requirements was long overdue and essential for developing the national program.
"This is putting the federal seal of approval on California's leadership in cleaning up global warming pollution from our cars, SUVs, pickups and minivans," said David Doniger, director of the Climate Center at the Natural Resources Defense Council.
Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., who had sharply criticized Johnson, the Bush administration EPA chief, for repeatedly postponing action and then rejecting the California waiver request, applauded the EPA decision Tuesday. She said it was "putting science and the law back into the driver's seat rather than politics and special interests."
Governors and officials from many of the states ready to adopt the California standard also welcomed the development.
Granting the waiver to California "affirms states' rights to combat global warming," said New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
In addition to New York, other states that have said they want to follow California's lead are: Arizona, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Mexico, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington.
___
On the Net:
Environmental Protection Agency: http://www.epa.gov
Email Story
IM Story
Printable View
Blog This
Related Articles: Climate Change
EPA approves California pollution ruleAP - Wednesday, July 1
Indonesia premier hopefuls accused on environmentAFP - Wednesday, July 1
China braces for extreme weather: state mediaAFP - Tuesday, June 30
Abu Dhabi to host renewables agencyAFP - Tuesday, June 30
Related Articles: World
Zelaya vows return to Honduras, defies arrest threatReuters - Wednesday, July 1
UN tells Honduras to reinstate presidentAP - Wednesday, July 1
Jackson set for final journey to Neverland: reportAFP - Wednesday, July 1
RI hospitals adopt process to limit surgical errorAP - Wednesday, July 1
Police: 7 teens shot near Detroit schoolAP - Wednesday, July 1
Related Full Coverage
climate change
climate change
All Full Coverage
Most Popular – World
Viewed
'Evil' swindler Madoff jailed for 150 years
Jackson set for final journey to Neverland: report
The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality
Questions mount over Jackson animal kingdom
Swine flu fears hit Wimbledon as toll hits 70,000
View Complete List »
Search:
Home
Singapore
Asia Pacific
World
Business
Entertainment
Sports
Technology
Top Stories
Most Popular
Copyright © 2009 Yahoo! Southeast Asia Pte Ltd. (Co. Reg. No. 199700735D). All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy
- Terms of Service
- Community
- Intellectual Property Rights Policy
- Help
Other News on Wednesday, 1 July 2009 Iran leader praised amid signs of political purge
Italian train inferno kills 16
Broadband, mobile key to economic growth: World Bank
Airliner crashes off Comoros with 153 aboard
Twenty-six killed in car bomb in Iraq's Kirkuk
Jackson wake eyed at Neverland
Bomb kills 32 in Iraq as U.S. troops leave
| International
|
GM seeks approval to exit bankruptcy as a new company
Indian warships get a breath of fresh air
Qaeda warns France of revenge for burka stance
Beyonce Dedicates Part Of Show To Michael Jackson
The daily grind: Sex for a week boosts sperm quality
Top US commander: Iran still supports Iraq attacks
Michael Jackson Not The Biological Father Of His Kids
China state news agency to air in Europe: official
British economy shrinks fastest in half a century
Pauly Shore Threatens "Bruno" With Lawsuit Over African Baby Adoption Theme
Michael Jackson Left His Father Nothing In His Will
China delays Internet filter: state media
Rights group: Israeli drones killed Gaza civilians
Barak: Too early to declare Israel settlement freeze
| International
|
Ed McMahon Given Standing Ovation At His Memorial Service
The Pirate Bay sold to Swedish gaming group
Diane Keaton Rushed To The Hospital After On-Set Film Injury
Iraqi oil licensing round runs into trouble
Michael Jackson's Personal Doctor Didn't Call Ambulance Because He Didn't Know The House Address
Spain ends probe into Israel's 2002 raid on Gaza
Michael Jackson Owed More Than $300 Million
Three dozen Taliban said killed in Afghanistan
The Cost of Royalty: Britain's Royal Family Cost Increases From Last Year
Diane Keaton Fine After Brief Hospitalization For Blow To Head On Set
British hostages in Iraq 'died from gunshot wounds'
Indonesia premier hopefuls accused on environment
Japan's Emperor to return to Canada after 56 years
Zimbabwe receives $950 mln loan from China
Cisco may take on Microsoft's Office
| Technology
|
China to delay rollout of web-filtering software
Roadside bomb kills soldier in southern Thailand
Amazon, Blue Nile sever Web affiliate programs
| Technology
|
UN chief urges N.Korea to show restraint
DC tax fraud ringleader gets 17 years in prison
AP NewsBreak: SC gov admits additional encounters
Swine flu: Philippine president quarantines self
Roaming phone charges to fall in EU from Wednesday
| Technology
|
Judge: Ono owns copyright to rare Lennon footage
Accused museum shooter still can't come to court
Thai army to provide security at ASEAN summit
Accused Wash. woman: 'dog ate my checks'
Algae in Chinese lake threatens drinking water
AP NewsAlert
US cuts Indonesian debt for forest protection
Administration sends Congress consumer legislation
Colorado sheriff's recruit dies in physical test
China scraps filtering software mandate _ for now
Foreign firms snub Iraq oil industry
Shanghai Airlines agrees to China Eastern merger
China postpones controversial Web filter
AIG selling credit card business in Taiwan
China stock index surges 62.5 pct in first half
Michael Jackson's body to return to Neverland: reports
| Entertainment
|
Koons, with eye for pop, brings Popeye show to UK
| Entertainment
|
Megawati rallies supporters in Indonesia
S.Korea output, investment data lifts rate outlook
Moving van makes delivery to Jackson's Neverland
Disney to boost HK park with $465M expansion
BP and China's CNPC win Iraq oil contract
U2 poised to launch world tour in Barcelona
Avant-garde German choreographer Pina Bausch dies
| Entertainment
|
Jackson's London promoters promise full ticket refunds
Jude Law is set to play Hamlet on B'way this fall
Expert claims to solve riddle of Beethoven's 'Elise'
For some, it did matter if Jackson was black or white
Pirates sell commemorative Michael Jackson DVDs in China
Paleontologists brought to tears, laughter by Creation Museum
EU court thwarts James Bond rights holders in Dr. No case
LA schools chief fumes over `Bruno' school photos
Bomb kills 32 in Iraq as U.S. troops leave
Zelaya vows return to Honduras
| International
|
New US government website tracks IT spending
U2 launch world tour in Barcelona
Iraqis celebrate US pullback but bombing kills 33
Hundreds say final farewell to Farrah Fawcett
France and U.S. join Comoros plane crash search
| International
|
Israeli navy boards activist ship to Gaza
EU travellers to get cheaper mobile phone calls from Wednesday
Top German court suspends ratification of Lisbon Treaty
Bomb kills 32 in Iraq as U.S. troops leave
| International
|
Iran bids to draw line under disputed election
Online video site Joost restructures, changes CEO
All-day party celebrates China web filter delay
| International
|
Israeli navy commandeers Gaza aid boat
Suspected North Korea arms ship changes course
| International
|
Zelaya faces arrest in Honduras as protests rise
Ahmadinejad cancels trip to AU summit
| International
|
Barak: Too early to declare Israel settlement freeze
| International
|
Major attacks in Iraq since Jan. 1
Indonesia's regional leaders attract investors
| International
|
Iraq auction terms deter oil firms, BP wins prize
Clooney sets up at Sony with production company
EPA approves California pollution rule
EU travellers to get cheaper mobile phone calls from Wednesday
All-day party celebrates China web filter delay
| Technology
|
Facts about Sen.-elect Al Franken
French warship rescues stranded family from yacht
GM's CEO grilled at court over "New" company
India sets up regional base for anti-terror troops
North Korea suspect ship has turned around: US official
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 641
U.S. targets North Korea's missile, nuclear activities
Former Texas pastor sentenced in child porn case
Ulysses probe ends 18-year study of heliosphere
China backs away from controversial Internet filter
US military deaths in Iraq war at 4,322
Stalemate in Afghan ghost town shows task ahead
Zimbabwe receives $950 mln loan from China
Protesters defy curfews in Indian Kashmir
U.S. targets North Korea missile proliferation network
Japan Inc pessimism drop for first time since 2006
Korea Hot Stocks-Telcos, LG Elec, LG Innotek rise
SKorea's trade surplus surges to record: govt
S.Korea sees exports in recovery phase -official
Michael Jackson gets more bizarre after death
| Entertainment
|
Taiwan dollar at 3-week high on more China opening
O'Neal leads mourners at Farrah Fawcett funeral
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea treasury bonds steady; eyes on data
S.Korea Hana Bank CEO sees Q3 profit after poor H1
Viral video a stealth promo for Robot Chicken
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson Suit of Lights glove up for sale
| Entertainment
|
Seoul shares fall after U.S. share loss, data
ABC goes old-media to promote Castle
| Entertainment
|
S.Korea Q2 GDP growth could hit 21-year high
US-ENTERTAINMENT Summary
Aerosmith drummer writes of Hitting Rock Bottom
| Entertainment
|
Family discussing Jackson tribute show: promoter
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson "Suit of Lights" glove up for sale
Gravity takes off as ABC series
| Entertainment
|
Jackson family says the singer's will has surfaced
AP NewsAlert
Hung starts big for HBO
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson fans dance, cheer his life in NY
Jackson's funeral plans sketchy
U2 open world tour with a bang in Barcelona
Stevie Wonder pays tribute to Michael Jackson
List of top 20 shows in prime-time Nielsen rating
Iran's Karroubi rejects Ahmadinejad vote: website
Death toll from Italian rail disaster rises to 16
Happy 30th birthday, Walkman
Barak says too early to declare Israel settlement freeze
Ahmadinejad's rivals defiant on Iran vote
| International
|
Russia's casinos shut as new law takes effect
Iraqi politicians of all stripes laud U.S. pullout
| International
|
Amnesty slams Russia for rights record in Chechnya
Life in North Korea: lies, potatoes and cable TV
| International
|
Pakistanis turn on Taliban, but resent U.S.: poll
| International
|
Barak links settlement freeze to regional peace drive
| International
|
U.N. team begins inquiry into Bhutto's killing
| International
|
Thousands march in HK for economic relief, democracy
| International
|
Russia bans all gambling and shuts casinos
| International
|
UN chief says climate pact must be finalized
Happy 30th birthday, Walkman
Clooney smokes out new production home at Sony
Israel's Barak downplays US settlement dispute
Tens of thousands march for democracy in Hong Kong
$1.2 billion in debts canceled to help Haiti
Malaysia's Anwar confident opposition will survive
Fiji army chief promises new constitution by 2013
KRouge survivor confronts jail boss on wife's fate
Gates says he wants to soften gay expulsion rules
Australians split biggest-ever lottery win
Microsoft's Bing search wins share from Google
| Technology
|
Source: NKorean ship headed back to north
Bomb blast kills one person in NW Pakistan: police
AP sources: Group sends Sotomayor docs to Senate
Jackson's will to be filed in court Wednesday
N.Korean ship tracked by U.S. Navy reverses course
Israel considering options to promote peace
Claro Cortes, former AP Manila reporter, dies
Democrat Franken wins protracted Minn. Senate race
UN chief says climate pact must be finalized
Sweden's Global Gaming snaps up Pirate Bay
| Technology
|
Thai inflation in June contracts by 4 pct: govt
All Nippon Airways plans capital boost: reports
GM vehicle sales in China soar
China says manufacturing continues to expand
S.Korea President calls for bold coporate investment
NZ employee sentiment less negative in Q2
Jerusalem Palestinians face no-win housing choice
Chinese cheese lover tries to win over Beijing
Indian heritage architecture is 'nobody's baby'
Actor fails to win share of 'Skippy' show profits
AP Exclusive: Insomniac Jackson begged for drug
Farrah Fawcett's life celebrated at LA funeral
Josh Turner announces birth of his second son
Tunisian Astrologist 'Predicted Michael Jackson's Death'
Study Finds Daily Sex Improves Men's Fertility By Producing Quality Sperm
Blackberry Saves Skier From Falling Into Crevasse
Johnny Depp Admits Fascination With Gangsters
George Clooney Latest Victim Of Bogus Actor Death Prank
Nepal Requires Pocketless Uniform On Airport Workers To Stop Bribe-Taking
Britain's Queen Elizabeth Orders Staff To Count Her Swans
Pope: Remains Of St. Paul The Apostle Identified
Arab Princess Is Undercover Cover Cop
Michael Jackson's Body Could Be Displayed In A Glass Coffin
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights