SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California was handed a big environmental victory when President Barack Obama endorsed a key part of the state's greenhouse gas reduction plan. He also gave a public boost to the Golden State, offering a clear sign that liberal-leaning California can expect a friendly relationship with his administration after eight years of clashes with former President George W. Bush. "California has shown bold and bipartisan leadership through its effort to forge 21st century standards, and over a dozen states have followed its lead," Obama said Monday.
SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California was handed a big environmental victory when President Barack Obama endorsed a key part of the state's greenhouse gas reduction plan.
He also gave a public boost to the Golden State, offering a clear sign that liberal-leaning California can expect a friendly relationship with his administration after eight years of clashes with former President George W. Bush.
"California has shown bold and bipartisan leadership through its effort to forge 21st century standards, and over a dozen states have followed its lead," Obama said Monday.
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The compliment came as the president announced that his team would revisit the Bush administration's decision to deny California permission to control tailpipe emissions.
Obama's announcement on his seventh day in office delighted California officials who have criticized his predecessor for ignoring the state's long tradition of setting its own air standards.
"For too long, Washington has been asleep at the wheel when it comes to the environment," Republican Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said. "Now California finally has a partner and an ally in Washington, in the White House."
Because California began regulating vehicle pollution before the federal government did, the state has special status under the Clean Air Act to implement tougher emission standards than those promulgated by the federal government.
But the state must first get a waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. California was granted about 50 such waivers — and never denied — before seeking a waiver in 2005 to implement a landmark state law that would force automakers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent in new cars and light trucks by 2016.
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