Calif. Clears Hurdle on Emissions Law

In blow to automakers, judge rules state can set standards on greenhouse gases
By Kevin Langbaum,  Newser User
Posted Dec 12, 2007 3:46 PM CST
Calif. Clears Hurdle on Emissions Law
California Attorney General Jerry Brown, left, shown with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, said a judge's ruling in favor of the state's greenhouse gas regulations was "a major victory and a giant step forward for California." (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)   (Associated Press)

California is one step closer to being able to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles after a federal judge today rejected the auto industry’s challenge to a state law, the Los Angeles Times reports. The state still needs a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency to implement its standards, which aim to reduce emissions by 30% by 2016.

Automakers claimed that federal standards trumped those passed by states in attempts to regulate fuel economy. California and 14 other states attempting to enforce laws stricter than federal standards have sued the EPA for a quicker decision on the waiver. The agency plans to rule by the end of the year. Meanwhile, the auto industry is expected to appeal. (More California stories.)

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