California to sue U.S. for denying emissions waiver

Reuters 20 Dec 07;

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said on Thursday that he would sue the U.S. government for not granting a waiver that would allow his state to enforce new standards on motor vehicle emissions.

California needs the waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement a state law requiring automakers to cut tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions by 25 percent on 2009 model cars.

Sixteen other states either have adopted or are considering rules similar to California's standard.

"I am extremely disappointed by EPA's decision to block the will of millions of people in California and 16 other states who want us to take tough action against global warming," Schwarzenegger said in a statement.

"I have no doubt that we will prevail because the law, science, and the public's demand for leadership are on our side," Schwarzenegger said.

On Wednesday, the Bush administration announced that the EPA would not grant the waiver because an energy bill signed hours earlier makes unnecessary further action on carbon dioxide emissions from vehicles.

The EPA found that the national law, which raises automobile fuel standards by 40 percent by 2020, was a "better approach" than a "patchwork" of state rules.

(Reporting by Amanda Beck; editing by Patricia Zengerle)