Filed under: EV/Plug-in, Green Culture, Legislation and Policy, USA



The US Environmental Protection Agency has granted a waiver to California's vehicle emissions standards, according to a statement released by the California Clean Cars Campaign. The campaign coalition supports California's comprehensive Clean Cars Program, which is targeted at reducing vehicle-related smog, particle pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, and includes a zero emission vehicle standard.

The EPA hasn't yet released an official statement on the decision - it's dealing with another announcement today that EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson will be resigning after President Obama's State of the Union Address next month - but the California Clean Cars Campaign press release (available below) calls it "a much-needed holiday present to consumers across the nation."

Today's waiver grants the state the right to implement its Clean Cars Program for model year 2017-2025 vehicles. It follows a 2009 decision by the Obama administration to grant California a waiver to implement clean vehicle standards through model year 2016, and joins more than 50 waivers granted to the state by the EPA in the past four decades. The EPA's decision could mean that up to 40 percent of new cars sold in the US will meet California's Clean Car Program standards, if fully implemented in the states that have signaled they want to adopt California's policies, according to the press release.

California Clean Cars Campaign membership is made up of public health leaders, consumer groups, businesses, local governments, elected officials, organized labor, faith groups and environmental organizations. "Although it is getting better, California has long faced unique and dangerous air quality challenges. Today's action from the EPA recognizes California's fundamental right to protect the health and welfare of its citizens," said Jane Warner, President and CEO, American Lung Association in California, one of the co-chairs of the California Clean Cars Campaign, in the statement.

The California Air Resources Board is likely thrilled to see this statement of support from the campaign. The agency has played a leading role in bringing the zero emission vehicle mandate to the state. With the EPA's waiver, the question of whether the so-called "compliance cars" rule will work enters a new chapter.Continue reading EPA grants waiver to California's Clean Cars Program

EPA grants waiver to California's Clean Cars Program originally appeared on AutoblogGreen on Thu, 27 Dec 2012 17:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.



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