Fed Judge Says California Can Regulate Auto Emissions

Environmental

California can set its own standards on greenhouse-gas emissions from vehicles, a federal judge in Fresno has ruled, The San Jose Mercury News reports. The state still needs permission from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to implement the rules.

This is the second time this year that courts have ruled against the auto industry’s bid to stop regulation of tailpipe emissions by states. In September, a court decision in Vermont confirmed that states do have the ability to adopt California’s motor vehicle greenhouse gas emissions standards. Sixteen states comprising about 45 percent of all U.S. auto sales have adopted, or are in the process of adopting, California’s standards. The Vermont decision came on the heels of a U.S. Supreme Court ruling last April saying the U.S. EPA has the authority to regulate greenhouse gases.

California has filed a lawsuit against the EPA for failing to act on California’s tailpipe emissions waiver request.

California is the only state that can set its own vehicle pollution standards because it began regulating air pollution before the EPA’s creation. Under the Clean Air Act, however, other states can select either California’s rules or federal ones.

Related listings

  • California Wins Emissions Battle with Automakers

    California Wins Emissions Battle with Automakers

    Environmental 12/12/2007

    California won a major legal battle Wednesday in its fight to implement a global-warming law that would lead to steep increases in motor vehicle fuel economy. A federal judge in Fresno tossed out a lawsuit filed by the world's major automakers that t...

  • Nixon Peabody Names First Sustainability Officer

    Nixon Peabody Names First Sustainability Officer

    Environmental 11/14/2007

    The Legal Newswire - International law firm Nixon Peabody LLP announces the appointment of a Chief Sustainability Officer. Carolyn S. Kaplan, an attorney in the firm’s energy and environmental practice, will serve in the new role. Nixon Peabody is th...

  • California to Sue Over Auto Emissions

    California to Sue Over Auto Emissions

    Environmental 10/23/2007

    [##_1L|1048905051.jpg|width="90" height="119" alt=""|_##]The state's attorney general said Monday that he would sue the Environmental Protection Agency in an attempt to force it to decide whether to let California and 11 other states impose stricter ...

New York Commercial Litigation Law Firm - Woods Lonergan PLLC

Founded in 1993 by Managing Partner James F. Woods, Woods Lonergan PLLC has built a strong reputation as a resourceful and industrious firm that provides clients with clear, concise, and straightforward answers to their most challenging legal issues. Partner Lawrence R. Lonergan, who joined the firm in 2008, has been a friend and colleague to Mr. Woods for over 40 years and shares the same business philosophy. Woods Lonergan PLLC’s collective experience and expertise enables the firm to expeditiously and effectively analyze the increasing challenges clients face in an evolving business and legal world, in many instances, avoiding unnecessary time and expense to our clients. Our mission is simple: provide cutting-edge expertise and sound advice in select areas of the law for corporate and business clients. We thrive on providing each client with personalized attention, forceful representation, and a collaborative team effort that embraces collective knowledge.

Business News

New York & New Jersey Family Law Matters We represent our clients in all types of proceedings that include termination of parental rights. >> read