Pelosi on EPA’s Denial of Greenhouse Gas Reduction Waiver Request by California

Washington, D.C. – Speaker Nancy Pelosi issued the following statement tonight after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a decision to deny California and 14 other states a waiver to reduce greenhouse gases:

“After 32 years of inaction, Congress has taken the historic step of increasing fuel efficiency standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.  But just a few short hours after the President signed this landmark legislation, the Administration seized on the new CAFÉ standard as an excuse to deny California and 14 other states a waiver to implement laws to reduce greenhouse gas pollutions from vehicles.” 

“What is clear is that the Administration’s announcement undermines the ability of the states to protect their citizens from the dangers of global warming.”

“The Bush Administration has repeatedly blocked federal and international action on global warming.  When the states took action, the Administration chose to stifle true progress on preventing global warming and protecting our children’s heritage.” 

“The threat of climate change to California’s communities, coastline, ecosystems, water supply and health of its citizens is clear and compelling.  Two federal courts have ruled that California has the legal right to set its own greenhouse gas standards for vehicles, and other states have the right to follow.” 

“We will examine this decision closely as part of our broader efforts to ensure America’s energy security.”