Today the state of New Mexico joined 13 other states in suing the United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) to compel the agency to act on the states’ petition to implement their own, more protective standards for automobile pollution.
“U.S. EPA has simply refused to do its job in this case, and the states are ready to move forward to protect their citizens and the environment,” said Lauren Ketcham, an advocate with Environment New Mexico. “We are glad to see New Mexico join the fight,” she continued.
The Clean Air Act allows states with poor air quality to choose between complying with federal vehicle emission standards and adopting the more protective standards—known as the Clean Cars Program—implemented by the state of California. In late 2004, California adopted first-of-their- kind standards requiring cars and light-duty trucks to limit emissions that contribute to global warming. Since then, 11 other states have adopted the California tailpipe emissions standards. New Mexico will be considering regulations to adopt the program this month.
The U.S. EPA has been sitting on California’s application for a waiver under the Clean Air Act, which will permit the state to require stricter global warming emission standards for new vehicles. Without the Bush administration’s stamp of approval, California—and the other 11 states that have adopted the Clean Cars Program and those considering adoption, like New Mexico—will not be able to take this important step toward cutting global warming pollution from tailpipes.
“Clearly, the states have every right to pursue stronger environmental protections for their citizens and it is time for the federal government to get out of the way and let states lead the way,” concluded Ketcham.
