EPA Grants California GHG Waiver Request

摘要

EPA's decision to grant California's request for a waiver, thus allowing the state to set separate air quality standards, should indicate plans for more such movements in the future. Clean Air Act (CAA) Section 209(b) prohibits states from adopting emissions control standards for new motor vehicles or motor vehicle engines. Section 209(b)(1) requires that the EPA Administrator waive the prohibition if the state determines that the standards will protect public health and welfare at least as well as applicable federal standards. On Jan 26, 2009, President Obama signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the agency to assess whether the denial was appropriate under the CAA, and urging them to "initiate any appropriate action" based on the assessment.