While the Bush administration and it's cronies at the EPA denied California a waiver to impose its own tough limits on greenhouse gas emissions from cars, it looks like the Obama administration will now allow the state to proceed.
The new EPA administrator, Lisa Jackson, has said that she would revisit the California waiver. But what's important to know is that Jackson is from New Jersey - a state that is one of more than a dozen states that have already expressed an interest in following California's lead. It is likely that Jackson will enable California to move forward.
Upon approval, the California waiver will commit the state to require auto manufacturers to produce and sell vehicles that are 30 percent cleaner.
Of course, automakers have complained that the changes could add significantly to sticker prices. However, Mary Nichols, a top air quality regulator in California, has indicated that it would likely add a little more than $100 to the price tag.
The Golden State wants to require carmakers to use paints that reflect more heat, tires that roll smoother, and improved air conditioning to boost efficiency beyond current fuel mileage requirements. Of course, plug-in hybrid electric vehicle development will certainly benefit from the waiver too, as these vehicles simply run cleaner than conventional internal combustion vehicles.
Nichols believes that it will take the government until May to clear procedural hurdles before California can proceed.
Jeff
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