Bob CollinsEfforts to lower auto emissions in Minnesota probably have been weed whacked by the White House.
The Environmental Protection Agency did so by refusing to grant California a waiver that would’ve allowed it to enforce emissions rules that are tougher than the federal standards.
According to the Associated Press, EPA argues that California doesn’t have the “compelling and extraordinary conditions” required for a waiver under the Clean Air Act, because the rest of the nation also suffers the effects of global warming. Today’s 48-page decision can be found here.
A dozen states have similar laws pending and Rep. Melissa Hortman, DFL-Brooklyn Park, wants to add Minnesota to the list. Her bill has advanced past one committee but may now be moot.
“A patchwork quilt of inconsistent and competing fuel economy programs at the state level would only have created confusion, inefficiency, and uncertainty for automakers and consumers,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.
