EPA gives California back the ability to set its own vehicle cleanliness standards
Content
The EPA is restoring California's ability to set its own tighter emission limits for clean cars. Trump took away the state's right to set its own standards by forcing it to adhere to federal standards, even though California's were more stringent and efficient.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Wednesday it will restore California's right to set its own vehicle cleanliness standards after the Trump administration removed the state's powers. These standards, which were adopted by other states, were more stringent than federal standards and the market is expected to push the market towards electric vehicles.
What does this EPA approval apply to?
The EPA's actions allowed California to once again set its own limits on the amount of planet-warming gases emitted by cars and mandate a certain amount of sales. The EPA also restored the ability for states to use California standards instead of federal standards.
"Today, we proudly reaffirm California's longstanding authority in the fight against car and truck air pollution," Environmental Protection Agency administrator Miguel Regandido said in a statement.
The goal is to reduce pollutants emitted by cars.
He added that the measure restores "an approach that has for years helped promote clean technology and reduce air pollution for people not only in California, but in the United States."
Trump withdrew those powers in California.
In 2019, the Trump administration reversed a waiver that allowed California to set its own vehicle standards, arguing that having a nationwide standard provides more certainty for the auto industry.
The industry was divided at the time, with some automakers siding with the Trump administration in a lawsuit, and others signing an agreement with California to undermine the abolition of Trump-era clean cars.
On Wednesday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom celebrated the decision.
"I thank the Biden administration for correcting the reckless mistakes of the Trump administration and recognizing our long standing right to protect Californians and our planet," Newsom said in a statement.
"Restoring Clean Air Act waiver in our state is a huge win for the environment, our economy, and the health of families across the country, coming at a critical time that highlights the need to end our dependence on fossil fuels," he added. .
The Environmental Protection Agency said the Trump administration's decision was "inappropriate," saying the waiver contained no factual errors, so it should not have been withdrawn, among other arguments.
The Environmental Protection Agency has already promised to reconsider Trump's decision
The agency's decision came as no surprise as it said earlier last year that it would reconsider a Trump-era decision. At the time, Regan called Trump's move "legally dubious and an assault on the health and well-being of the public."
The Department of Transportation already completed the necessary actions to restore California's liberation late last year.
**********
:
