EPA To Restore California’s Power To Set Its Own Emissions Regulations

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has moved to reinstate California’s authority to set its own vehicle emissions rules and zero-emission vehicle mandates.

In 2013, the EPA granted California a waiver for its tailpipe greenhouse gas emissions and EV regulations but in 2019, the agency revoked this waiver under the Trump administration.

“The 2019 decision to revoke the state’s waiver to enforce its greenhouse gas pollution standards for cars and trucks was legally dubious and an attack on the public’s health and wellbeing,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in a statement.

No less than 13 states have adopted California’s vehicle-emission rules and a number of others are in the process of adopting them. Reuters reports that the EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on June 2 regarding its notice of reconsideration and will take public comments on the matter through July 6.

“The Biden Administration is beginning to undo the last administration’s regulatory wreckage,” Senate Environment and Public Works Committee chairman Tom Carper added. “Rather than celebrate and encourage state innovation to tackle climate change, the last administration sought to stifle progress and tie the states’ hands.”

Read More: Biden Could Restore California’s Ability To Set Its Own Fuel Efficiency Standards

California Governor Gavin Newsom praised the decision in a statement issued on Monday.

“California welcomes the resumption of our decades-long collaboration with federal partners to develop strong vehicle emissions standards into the next decade,” he said.

State director at Environment California, a nonprofit political organization that lobbies for environmental legislation in the state, Laura Deehan, also thanked the Biden administration.

“With raging wildfires, dirty air, and drought threatening our environment, California suffers from some of the most severe climate and pollution impacts we’ve seen to date,” she said. “Thank you, President Biden, for restoring California’s ability to lead the way for clean air and cleaner cars.”