WASHINGTON — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants California to implement its own vehicle emission standards to fight global warming. At first glance, Congress might seem a likely ally in his efforts to overturn the Bush administration's refusal to let the state do so.
After all, global warming is at the top of the agenda in Washington. The three remaining major presidential candidates back California's efforts. And the state's congressional delegation is the largest.
But legislation to clear the way may fail for a reason that is close to home for Schwarzenegger -- his fellow California Republicans.
Most GOP members of the state's congressional delegation are siding with the Bush administration in trying to keep states from imposing stricter regulations on greenhouse gas emissions than the federal government. Without bipartisan support from the state's representatives, the bill's proponents say, the measure's prospects are dim.
"I don't support California thinking that it can act alone effectively," said Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista), noting that climate change is a problem that extends beyond state lines.
A House bill to allow California and other states to implement their own tailpipe regulations was introduced last week, with the support of 27 of the 33 California Democrats, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi of San Francisco. Only two of the 19 Republicans -- Rep. David Dreier of San Dimas, who is perhaps Schwarzenegger's closest ally in the delegation, and Rep. Mary Bono Mack of Palm Springs -- signed on as cosponsors.
A similar Senate bill has 23 sponsors, including California Democratic Sens. Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein, both Democrats.
Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Sherman Oaks), who with Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) is a chief sponsor of the House bill, said that support from the state's GOP lawmakers would improve its chances. "If we had a majority of California Republicans behind this bill, it would put real pressure on the White House not to veto it. And it would give us a real push in the Senate," he said.
It's not entirely unexpected to find the state's famously fractured delegation split over a controversial issue. It's been a year since California's Democrats and Republicans met together. In contrast, the Texas delegation meets monthly.
And it is often difficult to forge a consensus in the delegation, especially in a partisan election-year climate. "We have a very big and very diverse state, and we're not always going to agree on things," said Rep. John Campbell (R- Irvine), who opposes the bill.
