Two weeks ago, Sen. Boxer (D) introduced a new bill to address global warming. The Bill S2555 would overturn the EPA decision to deny California’s petition for the ability to enforce enhanced emissions on motor vehicles. I believe this was the first time a California request for a waiver was ever denied.
The Clean Air Act preempts state regulation of motor vehicle emissions. Because California was experiencing some of the worst air pollution in the County, California was granted special rights to request a waiver of this federal preemption. Once California receives a waiver from EPA than other states may adopt the California regulations as their own. New Jersey, and several other states, have already put into place regulations adopting the California regulations pending California’s receipt of a federal waiver. For those of you interested in reading NJ’s proposal it can be found here.
Motor vehicles are responsible for approximately 34% of New Jersey’s emissions. Therefore, for New Jersey to reach the goals under the Global Warming Act, NJ is going to have to address the transportation’s impact on global warming. Sen. Boxer’s bill is one step in addressing motor vehicle’s contribution to the situation and undoes just another roadblock set up by the Bush administration.