The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency this week denied a petition from California to approve vehicle emission standards that reduce greenhouse gas emissions prompting the Rendell Administration to join other states in a lawsuit to overturn the decision.

Sen. Roger Madigan (R-Bradford), Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, and Senator Mary Jo White (R-Venango), Chairman of the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee issued a statement on the ruling saying--

"We applaud the decision by the EPA to deny California's waiver request. This is a first -- but very significant -- step in stopping a potentially costly and unnecessary vehicle standard from being imposed upon Pennsylvania motorists.

"Last session, when the Rendell Administration circumvented the General Assembly and ceded authority of our vehicle emission standards to California, we raised objections over the fact that Pennsylvania motorists would be subjected to the decisions of an unelected, unaccountable board situated in California. That concern was immediately realized upon California's formal request of the federal government to regulate carbon dioxide emissions – an emission for which there is no universally recognized standard and one that is not necessary to protect the ambient air quality of our citizens.

"The decision by the EPA recognizes the significant fuel efficiency standards signed into law by President Bush, which will lead to significant emission reductions of both ozone-causing pollutants as well as carbon dioxide. The EPA appropriately recognized the wisdom of avoiding a patchwork of state standards to govern vehicle emissions.

"While Pennsylvania's vehicle emission standards are still inappropriately linked to those of California, the decision to deny the waiver request is nonetheless a significant victory for Pennsylvania's motorists and economy."

The Rendell Administration said EPA's denial does not affect the smog-related provisions Pennsylvania's Clean Vehicles Program because EPA has already approved California’s similar standards. Under the program and starting with model year 2008, new cars and light trucks sold, titled and registered in Pennsylvania must be certified by the California Air Resources Board.

“We will not stand by and accept this short-sighted decision,” said Gov. Rendell. “Now that American automakers must begin increasing the fuel economy of their vehicles, we have an opportunity to implement already established technology to control the greenhouse gas emissions that are threatening our planet and people. This technology is already being used in other nations, so it’s time that American consumers benefit from it, as well.”

The Rendell Administration announced it would join other states in a lawsuit seeking to reverse EPA’s decision on the California car waiver.

NewsClips: PA, NJ Join Suit Over EPA California Car Ruling

EPA Ruling Puts California in Bind

Editorial: California Car Emission Rules

12/21/2007