The GOP opposition is somewhat surprising because the legislation would pave the way for a law that enjoys widespread support in California. A poll conducted by the Public Policy Institute of California last year found that most Democratic and Republican voters were in favor of it.
Republicans also typically support the rights of states to set their own policies. But Rep. Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), echoing a comment made by other California Republicans, argued that greenhouse gas emissions require a national or international solution. Added Rep. George Radanovich (R-Mariposa): "I think we've got to be all in this together as a country rather than Balkanizing it."
Schwarzenegger spokesman Bill Maile said the governor supports the legislation. By allowing California to implement "the nation's toughest tailpipe regulations," he said, "it will help us achieve our aggressive goals to reduce greenhouse gases." But a number of California Republicans in Congress say that they have yet to hear from Schwarzenegger or his office.
Under the Clean Air Act, California can approve air pollution rules that are stronger than federal ones, subject to the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency. The state passed its vehicle emissions law in 2002 and, after drawing up the regulations, sought EPA permission in 2005. But EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson in December denied the state permission to implement it. At least 18 other states have adopted or are considering California's emission limits, which they are allowed to do under federal law.
The congressional legislation seeks to overturn the EPA decision. California and the 18 other states have also filed suit asking the courts to reverse the decision.
A number of Republicans from other states -- including GOP governors of Connecticut, Rhode Island and Vermont -- have assailed the EPA decision.
Sen. Wayne Allard (R-Colo.) told Johnson during a hearing last week that, "as a supporter of states' rights," he was troubled by the EPA administrator's decision. "There are a number of states, including Colorado, which would have considered following in California's footsteps to adopt a law to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles," he said.
In rejecting California's request to set higher standards, Johnson argued that tougher nationwide vehicle fuel-economy rules included in an energy bill that Congress passed last year were preferable to a "patchwork of state rules." But critics of the EPA decision say there would be just two rules: a California one and a federal one.
