California’s Gov. Schwarzenegger announced a law suit against the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), to overturn a decision regarding greenhouse gas emissions. Over the last 40 years, the EPA has granted more than forty waivers, denying none and more than a dozen states, including New York and Massachusetts are in support of California’s lawsuit.
If California wins the suit, it would eliminate greenhouse gases equivalent to taking 6.5 million cars off the road by 2020. If all other states with similar plans follow through, that figure would grow to more than 22 million vehicles and would cut gasoline consumption by an estimated 11 billion gallons a year. In letters sent on April 10, 2006, and Oct. 24, 2006 to President Bush, Gov. Schwarzenegger reiterated the urgency of approving California’s request to address global warming. On April 25, 2007, 16 months after the original waiver request, Gov. Schwarzenegger sent a letter to the head of the EPA informing him of California’s intent to sue after 180 days under the Clean Air Act and Administrative Procedure Act, which provides mechanisms for compelling delayed agency action. California’s request has been supported by recent judicial decisions.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 4, 2008. Read the original PDF.