EPA gives California emissions waiver

[cal04]

Source: LA Times

The state can develop its own standards on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, though it agrees not to toughen the standards before 2017. Automakers agree to drop lawsuits.

The Environmental Protection Agency will announce today that it is granting California's request to impose tough restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks -- reversing the Bush administration's position and opening the way for the state to take the lead on global-warming policy.

California developed the standards in 2004 but was barred from implementing them.

EPA officials say granting California the waiver from federal standards gives the state wide latitude to promulgate stricter rules, restoring a 40-year interpretation of the Clean Air Act.

"It preserves California's role as a leader on clean air policy," particularly on motor vehicles, EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in an interview. "It feels good to know that we are able to move past -- address -- this issue, responding to the president's call."

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-ca...

[bertman]

1. I hope they extend the mpg and emission standards to cover all boat engines too.

By 2016 we'll be needing them in a lot of coastal areas that are going to feel the effects of climate change.

If this is considered major progress on solving climate change problems, we're screwn.

[lindisfarne]

3. Not to mention lawn mowers. DU-ers: are you aware how polluting gas lawn mowers are? If you need a

new one, get an (rechargeable) electric - or push reel (good exercise with that option!)


Mowers by the numbers

Small, two-stroke engines used in conventional lawn-care equipment are big polluters and contribute to ground-level ozone concentrations. Electric lawn mowers are gaining popularity as an alternative.

54 million Americans mow their lawns each weekend.

5 percent of the nation's air pollution comes from traditional gas-powered lawn mowers.

5 dollars is the average cost in electricity for operating an electric lawn mower over one year.

80 pounds of carbon dioxide is released into the atmosphere each year by the average gas-powered mower.

800 million gallons of gas are consumed each year by gas mowers.

Sources: Environmental Protection Agency and People Powered Machines

[bertman]

4. great points all, lindisfarne.

[SUMMERTREE2]

2. We are still giving away the world to corporate polluters

The agreement tied California's hands to delay implementation of regulating greenhouse gasses for seven years. In return the auto companies say they will not bring suit. That gives the auto companies seven years in which to lobby congress and possibly a new president to change the agreement.

[lindisfarne]

5. But that doesn't mean individuals shouldn't change their behavior. Cars make up a big % of American

pollution.
Heating homes does too - how well is your home insulated, caulked? Do you turn off lights?
And about those lawn mowers - 5% of American pollution.

[maddezmom]

6. kick

[subcomhd]

7. More Change: Obama Reverses Bush Emmissions Policy Environmentalists jubilant

Source: reuters

Environmentalists were jubilant. David Doniger of the Natural Resources Defense Council said in a blog:

"These national standards will be a win for everyone. We'll have cleaner cars that cut dangerous global warming pollution nationwide ... The car makers will get the practical national uniformity they've been craving. And we'll help them get back to health by making cars that fit the market in a world of higher oil prices and global warming."


Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/governmentFilingsNews/id...

---

yet another bush policy on the ash heap of history

[lindisfarne]

8. What has Obama ever done for us? Umm .. he reversed the Bush emissions policy. Yeah, but aside from

that, what has Obama ever done for us?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExWfh6sGyso

[fascisthunter]

9. excellent!

[jpak]

10. but...but....but...Obama is just Bush 2!!!1111

Obama has changed NOTHING!!!!111

I read it all the time on DU....

[Iowa]

23. These types of posts that bash sincere, progressive DUers are obnoxious...

Such posts reflect a type of gushing, groupie, cheer-leading, sheep mentality that is dragging this country down. It is a mirror image of the 23 percenters who cheer their heroes on the right.

Look... it's not an either/or proposition. It's possible to blast Obama for the horrible things he has done, for the lies he has told, and for the right-wing corporate-friendly, Bush-like positions he has taken, while also acknowledging the things he has done right. Note that I said "acknowledging", not "gushing". Some of the things he has done right, like this particular action, are basic, minimum expectations - like showing up for work, or not stealing from the company's petty-cash box. In other words it doesn't, and shouldn't, elicit a lot of back-slapping, cheering, and accolades; it's something he is expected to do. And there are lot of other things he's expected to do that he's failing to do - and failing miserably. In any other job, with this level of performance he probably would have been thrown out on his ass by now for failing to meet minimum expectations.

And getting a few things right just doesn't cut it. It's a tough, demanding, grueling job. The standards are high, and they should be high. But a big chunk of the populace keeps lowering the bar because they seem to think this is a game, where everyone picks a team, or a player, and backs their guy - no matter what. Well it isn't a game. Our way of life is at stake here. Today's politicians have demonstrated that they are largely a bunch of cons who are for sale to the highest bidder. They're weasels. They're dividers. And they work for us. And we don't demand nearly enough of them. So we don't need people like you enabling them, or running interference against those who are trying to raise the bar and hold them accountable. The guys who are supposed to be acting on our behalf, the DEMOCRATS, behave like Republicans most of the time. It's a mess. And anyone who is paying attention should be pissed.

So the next time you feel the need to bash fellow DUers who are trying to hold their politicians to a higher standard... don't. It just dumbs down the entire process and ultimately harms all of us.

[subcomhd]

32. Dumbing things down.

What is really dumb is when someone says they can't tell the difference between Bush and Obama. THAT is stunningly and embarrassingly dumb.

edited for spelling

[Cha]

34. No, it's not..I can understand their

sentiment and frustrations at the posters around here who like to snark on the president by saying he's just like bush and there's no change. It's ridiculous and Obnoxious.

Constructive criticism is welcomed..not the disrespectful lies.

[jpak]

35. Umm...the 'Merican Public held poleetishuns to a "higher standard" last November

That is why Obama is Our President...

That is why we have a Democrat Party (sic) majority in Congress...

...including "A Clown" from MN...



Democracy is teh Suckage Epic Fail...

Wow Just Wow...

[orwell]

11. But why hasn't he fixed everything yet?

I want my damn pony!

[Lone_Star_Dem]

12. Oh, no! The American Petroleum Institute isn't happy!

From the article:
The American Petroleum Institute, a key oil industry interest group, was critical: "Using the Clean Air Act to regulate greenhouse gases would impose costly requirements for hundreds of thousands of businesses, large and small, as well as schools, offices and buildings across the United States."

Which stands as proof to how good this is for our environment.

[destes]

14. And would have been even better 8 years ago

[tomm2thumbs]

13. 'Don't Ash, Don't Pollute' - one down, one to go

[boomerbust]

15. Ford

Ford sales were better than expected in Q2 due to sales of the Fusion and hybrid line. But CNBC was still whining that the carmakers will be forced to build cars that people dont want.

[Tempest]

16. And while Bush rejected California's EPA waiver

Car companies were in the process of making cars that met California's stringent requirements.

The immediate impact of the decision, which had been widely anticipated, is more symbolic than practical. The 2009 fleet of new vehicles is already in compliance with the California rules and the 2010 fleet is also expected to meet the requirements, said Tom Cackette, deputy director of California’s Air Resources Board.

“Auto manufacturers have been making changes to vehicles both because they anticipated they might have to meet California standards and because there was a general interest in public in buying more efficient cars,” Mr. Cackette said.

http://www.climateark.org/shared/reader/welcome.aspx?li...

[subcomhd]

18. It's not just about Cali. - nice try though.

"Governors from the other affected states offered similar plaudits, such as New York Gov. David Paterson's statement: "The decision is living proof that there is new leadership in Washington."

[Tempest]

21. If it wasn't for California, this wouldn't have even been an issue

So you're welcome.

[subcomhd]

22. fair enough - thanks Cali!

[pasto76]

17. this is what I voted for.

sorry if its not enough for everyone.

[Cant trust em]

19. I don't expect everyone to universally applaud President Obama

but I do expect people to give credit where credit is due.

[ZombieHorde]

20. Nice. K&R

[Deja Q]

29. Ditto!

[Uncle Joe]

24. I will not hesitate to criticize some Obama Administration policies, but this is not one of them.

I believe this is the money sentence.

"This decision puts the law and science first. After review of the scientific findings, and another comprehensive round of public engagement, I have decided this is the appropriate course under the law," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said in a statement."

Kicked and recommended.

Thanks for the thread, subcomhd.

[karynnj]

25. Fantastic!!

[Vidar]

26. Good for Obama on this one.

[SpartanDem]

27. Score another for the good guys K&R

[Deja Q]

28. WOOHOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bush III is doing great!

Why the flying fuck do some out there equate President Obama to nitwit Bush? Oh, that's right, they didn't get their pony...



Here's a pony:
Wait, I wanted to post it but there might have been a double-meaning to it that some would take the wrong way. Oh well. Just imagine a picture of a white My Little Pony(tm), standing on its hind legs and showing off its nice horsey butt, takin' a big whiz on Strawberry Shortcake...

[Mari333]

30. I think you are supposed to use the actual headline per Breaking News rules

just a heads up

'
4. When posting articles, always use the published title of the article as the title of the discussion thread. Additional information may be included in a thread title (in parentheses) if it helps to make the title more clear.'

[Mari333]

31. the REAL headline reads:

'UPDATE 2-US EPA approves California auto emissions standard'

thats all. in other words, your headline is wrong, and misleading.

[Cha]

33. Thanks Pres Obama!

You're doing well.