California sues feds, saying SUV mileage standards should be raised

[Kadie]

State sues feds, saying SUV mileage standards should be raised
David R. Baker, Chronicle Staff Writer

Tuesday, May 2, 2006


California today launched its latest skirmish with Bush administration over environmental rules, suing the federal government over SUV gas-mileage standards that the state considers too lax.

The suit, joined by nine other states, argues that the federal government didn't fully consider potential damage to the environment when it announced new fuel efficiency standards for sports utility vehicles and light trucks. Under the administration's new standards, issued in March, those vehicles must have a fleet-wide average of 24 mpg by the year 2011.

"With gas prices skyrocketing, we must substantially increase fuel efficiency in new vehicles, not only to protest the pocketbooks of working families, but also to reduce vehicle emissions that contribute to global warming," said California Attorney General Bill Lockyer in a prepared statement.

California officials and the Bush administration have repeatedly sparred over environmental policy. The federal government has argued against California's right to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from cars and vehicles, while the state has pushed for tougher rules on air pollution and fuel economy.


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