Although the position taken by some California Republicans is at odds with the state's GOP governor, it is in line with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, which believes that different state laws could drive up business costs. "This was a favor that the EPA did for people in California who want to make a living," said Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Visalia).
Rep. Wally Herger (R-Chico) said he was concerned that different tailpipe emission standards would drive up vehicle costs.
"I have the highest regard for Gov. Schwarzenegger," he said. "I just think this is not as well thought out as it could be."
The legislation to overturn the EPA's decision faces other hurdles. Rep. John D. Dingell, an influential Democratic committee chairman from auto-producing Michigan, is expected to work to defeat the measure. And it could run into a Senate filibuster or a presidential veto.
Still, the bill's proponents hope to build support among lawmakers from other states looking to implement California's tailpipe standards.
And they consider Dreier, who heads the California House Republican delegation, an important catch who might help build GOP support.
"I'm a proponent of states' rights," Dreier said. "States are the laboratories of brilliant ideas, and California is the single-best laboratory."
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richard.simon@latimes.com
