Governor Schwarzenegger Applauds Court Decision Supporting Strict Auto Emission Standards Modeled after California

Press Release

Governor Schwarzenegger Applauds Court Decision Supporting Strict Auto Emission Standards Modeled after California

Governor Schwarzenegger today applauded the court decision in Vermont confirming that state's ability to set motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards, modeled after California's strict regulations. A similar court case in California is still pending.

"Today's decision marks another important victory in the fight against global warming. California and other states that want to take aggressive action will no longer be blocked by those who stand in our way," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "Recent legal decisions are all pointing in a positive direction for California, and we're confident we have a very strong case."

Vermont's legal defense against automakers - much like one being fought here in California - ended today with a decision endorsing states' rights to set tougher-than-federal standards.

Earlier today, 13 governors sent a letter to automotive corporations asking the industry to support their shared commitment to address climate change. The 13 governors asked automotive leaders to withdraw the legal challenges to clean vehicle standards and work with the states to reverse the threat of global warming.

The legal decision in Vermont comes on the heels of a decision by the United States Supreme Court confirming that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) has the authority, under the Clean Air Act, to limit greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles.

California's court battle resumes in October. In the meantime, the state is awaiting decision from the U.S. EPA on a waiver to enforce the state's global warming emissions standards for vehicles. Gov. Schwarzenegger has given the U.S. EPA until October 25 to issue a decision on the waiver before filing suit compelling the federal agency to do so.

On December 21, 2005, the California Air Resources Board (ARB) requested a waiver of federal preemption of California's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. The waiver was requested after the ARB developed regulations based on a 2002 California law.

In letters sent on April 10, 2006 and October 24, 2006 to President Bush, the Governor reiterated the urgency of approving California's request to address global warming.

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