Opinion
Let Us Let Go of Restaurant

Folks Around Here Ready To Help Out

Co-op CEO Challenges Editorial

Letters To the Editor

Letters To the Editor

Editorial: Electric Co-Op Kidding Itself

Guest View: Loving Nation Means Those in It

Fire Response Shows Spirit

Discuss Drinking Before the Prom

Letters To the Editor

More
Opinion

HOME	CLASSIFIEDS	OBITUARIES	SPORTS	OPINION

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Editorial: Time to Clear Air on Emissions

By

    U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson says federal energy legislation beats a patchwork of state regulations when it comes to reducing greenhouse gases.
    He's right— if he's talking about tough, comprehensive, timely federal legislation. And if the alternative is truly patchwork.
    Unfortunately, the federal Energy Independence and Security Act signed by President Bush doesn't take full effect until 2020. And while it will require average fuel economy standards of 35 mpg, New Mexico, California and as many as 16 other states say that's not tough enough or soon enough.
    They want to assert their rights under the federal Clean Air Act and emulate California's 2004 law— which is expected to cut emissions from new vehicles by one-third in 2016. In California alone, regulators estimate that means keeping 17.2 million metric tons of carbon dioxide out of the air, compared to 7.7 million under the fed's plan.
    From 2009 to 2016, the regulations would keep 58 million metric tons out of the air— triple what the feds would.
    It's also true that patchwork doesn't work. Taking a deep breath in Bernalillo County— where vehicle owners are continually required to get costly emissions checks— doesn't mean you won't inhale pollutants from cars in neighboring Sandoval, Valencia and Torrance counties, where emissions checks aren't required. While Bernalillo County drivers pay through the nose, neighbors get a free ride.
    But EPA spokesman Jonathan Shradar's claim that the alternative to federal regulations is "a lower standard in California and a patchwork of other states" is specious, because under the fed's own law the alternative to federal regulations is California's more stringent requirements. Period.
    California, 15 other states and five environmental groups have sued to get the waiver issued. But the courtroom won't provide the best answer.
    That's up to Congress, and it's time that body stepped up and enacted the tough, comprehensive, timely federal legislation the states are clamoring for.