State officials took a last opportunity to plead for a waiver that will allow California to enforce new emissions standards for cars. The federal EPA held its second-and final-hearing in Sacramento on Wednesday. Jenny O'Mara reports.
State officials requested a waiver from the federal government over a year ago. They want to enact stricter tailpipe emission regulations for new cars. Under the federal Clean Air Act the state can set its own standards, but needs the waiver to enforce them.
Former Assemblywoman Fran Pavley wrote the law creating the guidelines. Before testifying in front of EPA administrators she said there are compelling reasons to move forward.
Pavley : Not only dwindling snowpack in our Sierra Nevada mountains, but I'm particularly concerned about impacts to air quality.
A lawyer with the Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers also testified. He says the law would do nothing to address global warming. The Alliance has also sued the state over the standards.
State officials say they want a decision from the federal government on the waiver by October. If they don't get it, they'll sue.
In Sacramento, I’m Jenny O’Mara.
