On Wednesday December 19th, EPA Administrator
Stephen Johnson announced that he was denying a waiver for California
allowed under the Clean Air Act for that state, and by extension all
states including New Mexico, to tackle one of the largest and fastest
growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions – cars and trucks. On
November 27, New Mexico became the thirteenth state to adopt
California’s Clean Cars Program, which would cut global warming
emissions by 30 percent by 2016.
Statement of Environment New Mexico Advocate Lauren Ketcham:
“The
EPA has chosen to ignore the science behind global warming, their legal
duty and the Clean Air Act. Over the objections from its own legal and
technical staff, EPA Administrator Johnson has bowed to political
pressure from the automobile industry and their friends in the White
House. In doing so, the Bush Administration is blocking New Mexico’s
efforts to tackle global warming and dramatically reduce harmful air
pollutants.
In the past year, federal judges
in California and Vermont and the U.S. Supreme Court have rejected
automakers claims and protected state’s rights to adopt the Clean Cars
Program.
California has never been denied a waiver in 37 years. California has met all the criteria for this waiver to be approved.
This
legally and technically indefensible decision severely hamstrings the
ability of states to take action in the face of inaction and foot
dragging by the federal government on the most serious environmental,
economic and quality of life issue facing our generation—global
warming.
Transportation is New Mexico’s
second largest source of carbon dioxide pollution and the fastest
growing source of new emissions. The Clean Cars Program is the most
effective step New Mexico can take to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
from our cars, trucks and SUVs.
Sixteen
states, including New Mexico, have adopted, or are in the process of
adopting California’s motor vehicle emissions standards. These states
represent about 50 percent of the nation’s vehicle market.
Despite
widespread public support, the Bush administration has chosen to turn
its back on states’ rights and continue to serve as a roadblock to
global warming action.
The EPA has failed in
its responsibility to protect public health and the environment. We’re
confident that the courts will overturn this decision and will once
again explain the meaning of the Clean Air Act to the Bush
Administration and automakers.”
