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After requesting a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to increase regulations on vehicle emissions in 2005, (so California might implement a law, passed in 2002 requiring reduced emissions for 2009 cars, light trucks, and S.U.V.’s) Governor Schwarzenegger decided waiting was for sissies, and today in Beverly Hills, pulled out a lawsuit.
The five year delay was caused by the E.P.A., claiming it didn’t have jurisdiction over auto emissions, and lawsuits from automobile manufacturers who refused state regulations, claiming only the E.P.A. had such overarching regulatory power. A Supreme Court decision put the ball back in the E.P.A.’s court with a disclaimer, they don’t have to regulate carbon dioxide emissions -- but if they don’t, they must prove they are not a danger to public health.
The Court’s verdict opened the door for a procedural step, sending a letter of intent to sue (so you know this won’t be solved quickly, the letter must be sent 180 days before any legal action takes place) announcing California’s plans. The Governor wrote, “Failure to take action by the end of October would mean that more than 22 months have passed with no decision, this is clearly an unreasonable delay.”
Clearly.
Photo by gibarian via flickr
