Conservatives like to talk about states' rights - or the ability of states to make their own laws independent of the federal government. But as a New York Times op-ed today reports, some states, particularly California, are exerting their muscle to push global warming initiatives forward and trying to end America's Belushi-like bender on oil.
For over two years, California has been seeking permission to impose its own emissions standards on cars and light trucks, which it can do under the Clean Air Act once it gets a federal waiver. At least a dozen states are ready to follow once permission is granted.
The automobile industry does not want California to get that authority, and Mr. Bush's EPA has been in no hurry to grant it. But one by one, the federal courts have been demolishing the agency's excuses for not acting. In April, the Supreme Court ruled that the agency had clear authority to regulate automobile emissions of carbon dioxide. And last month, a federal court in Vermont ruled that automakers were fully capable of meeting the California standards.
So Mr. Bush, be true blue to your conservative principles and grant California its waiver.
For more on Bush Administration obstinacy on this issue, check out OMB Watch's Reg Watch blog here.
