Environmental Toxins: California Demands State's Auto Emissions Be Allowed

California officials asked federal regulators to allow California to establish its own strict auto emissions controls. They say that they plan to sue the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency if their request is turned down. Attorney General Jerry Brown says "We're at a historic juncture. The Clean Air Act is clear that California can regulate emissions. I think the EPA administrator (Steve Johnson) will grant this, unless Bush or Karl Rove order him not to."

California Demands EPA Allow State's Stringent Auto Emissions Controls

The EPA still has not given any indication of when they plan to make their ruling. California Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger says that the state plans to sue on October 25 if no decision has been made. California is the only state that can set its own vehicle standards.