Global Warming Campaign News

On Wednesday December 19th, EPA administrator Stephen Johnson announced that he was denying a waiver for California allowed under the Clean Air Act for that state, and by extension all states including Florida, to tackle one of the largest and fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions – cars and trucks.  Gov. Crist issued an executive order that would make Florida the 14th state in the nation to adopt the California Motor Vehicle Emissions Standard and Florida DEP has already started the rulemaking process.

Statement of Environment Florida Director Mark Ferrulo:

“The EPA has chosen to ignore the science behind global warming and the Clean Air Act and bowed to political pressure from automobile industry and their friends in the White House.   In doing so, the Bush Administration is blocking Florida’s efforts to tackle global warming and dramatically reduce harmful air pollutants.

This decision severely hamstrings the ability of states to take action in the face of inaction and foot dragging by the federal government on the most serious environmental, economic and quality of life issue facing our generation.

Transportation is Florida’s second largest source of global warming pollution and the fastest growing. 

Sixteen states, including Florida, have adopted, or are in the process of adopting California’s motor vehicle emissions standards.  The EPA’s denial of California’s waiver request effectively removes one of Florida’s most powerful global warming pollution reduction tools from our toolbox and at least for now, negates one of Gov. Crist’s most important executive orders.

Despite widespread public support, the Bush administration has chosen to turn its back on states’ rights and continue to serve as a roadblock to global warming action.

We’re confident that the courts will overturn this decision and will once again explain the meaning of the Clean Air Act to the Bush Administration and automakers.

Gov. Crist should join with Gov. Schwarzenegger in overturning this “head in the sand” decision by the EPA and continue moving forward with making Florida a leader in the fight against global warming.”

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