Welch Leads Congressional Effort on Auto Standards, Citing Guidance of Vermont Court Case

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Welch Leads Congressional Effort on Auto Standards, Citing Guidance of Vermont Court Case

89 Members join Welch urging EPA to promptly grant California auto emissions waiver

Rep. Peter Welch has rallied 89 members of Congress to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promptly grant California a waiver to adopt stricter emissions standards, allowing other states to follow its lead.

Welch believes that the ruling by Vermont United States District Court Judge William Sessions that federal law does not prevent California and other states from adopting regulations to cut global warming pollution from vehicles means the EPA should quickly grant California's waiver.

The EPA has been considering the waiver since 2005.

In a letter authored by Welch to Stephen Johnson, administrator of the EPA, the lawmakers argues that, "In light of last week's ruling by United States District Court Judge William Sessions, we write to urge your immediate approval of California's Clean Air Act waiver related to tail pipe emissions." The letter continues, "We urge you to make your decision on the merits, in accordance with the law and the facts of this case, which demand you immediately grant California's waiver, allowing California and other states to move forward---ideally in partnership with the federal government."

"Judge Sessions' ruling gives the EPA necessary guidance to quickly move forward to approve state waivers for automobile efficiency standards," said Welch. "While I believe the federal government must adopt stronger mileage standards, states should not be prevented from leading the way."

Welch added, "Increasing automobile efficiency will benefit consumers, our economy, and the environment."

Eleven states, including Vermont, have adopted California's Low Emission Vehicle Standards, including mandated reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, which limit the amount of carbon dioxide and other gasses that can be emitted from vehicle tailpipes. Several other states are considering adopting similar standards.

In June, Welch led an effective effort in Congress to block a proposal being considered by the House Energy and Commerce Committee that would have prohibited states like Vermont from adopting auto emission standards that are tougher than those imposed by the federal government.

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