"Lawmakers Oppose House Emissions Plan"

This is encouraging.

Lawmakers Oppose House Emissions Plan
By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer

1 hour ago

WASHINGTON - Several lawmakers said Thursday they would try to prevent a House energy plan that seeks to block California and other states from regulating tailpipe emissions.

During a hearing, several House Democrats joined opposition from House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. They said they could not back legislation that would limit California's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions or the Environmental Protection Agency's ability to regulate them.

"This bill is cutting the legs out from under the states just as they are starting to sprint forward on carbon pollution regulation," said Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass. Reps. Jane Harman and Henry Waxman, D-Calif., said they support a proposal next week that would attempt to strip away the provision preventing California from regulating the vehicle emissions.

The comments came at the start of a lengthy hearing on a comprehensive energy plan that would propose that the auto industry meet gas mileage standards of at least 36 miles per gallon for passenger cars after 2021 and 30 mpg for trucks after 2024. It would also create a low-carbon fuel standard and push the auto industry to boost their production of vehicles running on alternative fuels such as ethanol. California has asked the federal government for a waiver for two years to implement a state law that would cut greenhouse gas emissions, mostly carbon dioxide, by 25 percent from cars and 18 percent from sport utility vehicles beginning in 2009. At least 11 other states are ready to follow California's lead.<snip>

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