Panel to investigate EPA denial of state emission limits

Rep. Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said he would investigate the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to block California’s efforts to impose greenhouse gas emission standards on cars and trucks.

“Your decision not only has important consequences to our nation, but it raises serious questions about the integrity of the decision-making process,” Waxman wrote EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson on Thursday.

{mosads}Waxman noted in his letter that Johnson reportedly overruled the unanimous recommendations of EPA’s legal and technical staffs in deciding to reject California’s application.

The lawmaker is seeking all communications between EPA and the White House related to the California waiver request.

The state has moved to cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks by 30 percent between 2009 and 2016.

Under the Clean Air Act, California is allowed to set its own air quality standards. Though it must obtain a waiver from the EPA to do so, the agency had never previously denied a state application. States are allowed to adopt either California or federal standards, and 17 other states have moved to follow California’s lead.

Johnson noted the recently passed energy bill would impose higher fuel efficiency standards that would cut emissions.

“The Bush administration is moving forward with a clear national solution — not a confusing patchwork of state rules — to reduce America’s climate footprint from vehicles,” Johnson said in a statement.

Greenhouse gases are “fundamentally global in nature, which is unlike the other air pollutants covered by prior California waiver requests,” Johnson added.

The relationship between the states and the federal government regarding global warming could complicate efforts in Congress to pass a climate change bill.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, another California Democrat, objected to language in a draft energy bill written by House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell (D-Mich.) that would have blocked California’s tailpipe standard.

“EPA’s decision raises serious and important public policy questions about the roles and responsibilities of different agencies at different levels of government,” Dingell said in a statement.

California congressional Democrats blasted EPA’s decision, as did environmental groups.

“EPA is not following science or the law,” said Jim Tripp, general counsel for Environmental Defense, in a statement.

But automakers welcomed the decision.

“We commend EPA for protecting a national, 50-state program,” said Dave McCurdy, the president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.