EPA Denies States’ Stronger Tailpipe Emissions Waiver Request

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Colin Durrant, CLF Director of Communications
617.850.1722

Boston, MA (December 20, 2007) – The Environmental Protection Agency late yesterday announced that it has denied the request of California and 12 other states — including Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island and Vermont — to set first-in-the-nation regulations on emissions of greenhouse gas pollution from passenger cars and light trucks. Below is the statement of Conservation Law Foundation President Philip Warburg on the decision:

“Yet again the Bush Administration and its Environmental Protection Agency have failed to live up to the greatest environmental challenge of our generation: global warming. This decision not only violates federal law but also shows a frightening disregard for the health and safety of Americans and our environment. Transportation is the largest and fastest growing source of greenhouse gas emissions in New England. Our states deserve – and indeed, under the Clean Air Act, have the right – to seek the reductions in motor vehicle emissions necessary to combat global warming.”

The Conservation Law Foundation works to solve the environmental problems that threaten the people, natural resources and communities of New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to design and implement strategies that conserve natural resources, protect public health, and promote vital communities in our region. Founded in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization. It has offices in Boston, Massachusetts; Concord, New Hampshire; Providence, Rhode Island; Montpelier, Vermont; and Brunswick, Maine.