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EPA Chief Ignored Staff on Calif. Ruling

Auto industry pushed White House to sway him, sources say

By Wesley Oliver,  Newser Staff

Posted Dec 21, 2007 1:58 PM CST
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(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.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says that he will challenge the EPA's ruling in court. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says that he will challenge the EPA's ruling in court. (AP Photo/Rich Pedroncelli)   (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)
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)
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 to implement its landmark law to cut greenhouse gases from vehicles. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
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. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
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 Samuel Bodman, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of Calif., Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada; House Majority Leader Steny...
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)
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Bush signs new energy bill into law
BBC

Opinion: Energy bill squanders chance for real change
Houston Chronicle

White House insists Johnson acted alone
New York Times

Ruling puts California between a rock and a hard mandate
New York Times

US • Green

 
Chrysler • Dick Cheney • California • greenhouse gases • Henry Waxman • Arnold Schwarzenegger • fuel efficiency • Environmental Protection Agency • Barbara Boxer • energy bill • fuel economy standards • Stephen Johnson • George W. Bush

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