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December 2, 2008 11:56:47 AM CST

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EPA Chief Ignored Staff on Calif. Ruling

Posted Dec 21, 07 1:58 PM CST in Science & Health,  US 

(Newser) – The EPA chief—under heavy pressure from the auto industry—rejected his own staff's advice in denying California’s request to set its own fuel economy standards, the Los Angeles Times reports. Stephen Johnson told the state that it’s request was unnecessary in the wake of the new energy bill and didn’t meet legal standards. But sources say his staff reached the opposite conclusion and was overruled.

“This administration ignores the science and ignores the law,” said the chair of California’s Air Resources Board. Sources insist the White House swayed Johnson after Dick Cheney met with automakers—possibly as part of a deal in which they backed the energy bill. California plans to sue, and two federal lawmakers vowed yesterday to investigate the denial, warning Johnson not to destroy any documents.

Source Los Angeles Times

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Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says that he will challenge the EPA's ruling in court. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)   (Associated Press)
Sources tell the Los Angeles Times that Stephen L. Johnson, administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, ignored his staff's recommendations and denied California's request for a waiver...   (Associated Press)
President Bush has a word with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif. at the Energy Department in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007, prior to signing the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007....   (Associated Press)
President Bush, seated, signs the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 during a ceremony at the Energy Department in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 19, 2007. Standing from left are, Energy Secretary...   (Associated Press)
In a controversial decision, the EPA denied California's request for a waiver to implement its landmark law to cut greenhouse gases from vehicles. (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma, file)   (Associated Press)
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George W. Bush • California • Dick Cheney • Chrysler • Arnold Schwarzenegger • greenhouse gases • Environmental Protection Agency • fuel efficiency • Henry Waxman • energy bill • Barbara Boxer • fuel economy standards • Stephen Johnson



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