Obama’s Green Light to Stricter Emissions Standards: CLF Hails Return to Decisions Based on Law, Science and Public Health

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Colin Durrant, CLF Director of Communications
617.850.1722

Boston, MA (January 26, 2009) – President Obama today directed the Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider allowing California to move forward with stricter tailpipe standards for motor vehicle emissions, paving the way for most New England states to adopt the cleaner emissions regulations as well.

The Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), New England’s leading environmental group whose attorneys helped the region’s states defend the emission standards in court, praised the announcement as a victory for public health and the environment, and hailed the return to government decisions based on law and science, not politics.

“With this one action, President Obama today sends a clear signal that he is serious about combating climate change and returning to government decision making based on science and law, not on the preference of a politically connected few,” said Seth Kaplan, CLF’s Vice President of Climate Advocacy.

“Detroit may not realize it yet, but this is good news for them too.” said CLF’s staff attorney Steve Hinchman, who has participated in the court action defending the state standards. “Most of the rest of the world, including Europe, China, and India, has already adopted tougher standards than the U.S. Our industry must keep up with the worldwide demand for cleaner, more efficient vehicles. Anything less would only guarantee the total collapse that Detroit fears.”

>> To view a map with the states that have adopted California-based emission standards visit: http://www.cleancarscampaign.org/

>> For more information on CLF’s clean cars campaign visit: http://www.clf.org/programs/cases.asp?id=650

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The Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org) works to solve the most significant environmental challenges facing New England. CLF’s advocates use law, economics and science to create innovate strategies to conserve natural resources, protect public health and promote vital communities in our region. Founded, in 1966, CLF is a nonprofit, member-supported organization with offices in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.