Global Warming: Obama's 1st Move

Even as Congressional Republicans continue to stall efforts against global warming, President Obama is moving forward. Making good on a campaign pledge, he is allowing states to write tailpipe emissions laws that are more strict than those of the federal government. This move was long opposed by the second Bush Administration. From the New York Times:

President Obama on Monday will direct federal regulators to move swiftly to grant California and 13 other states the right to set strict automobile emissions and fuel efficiency standards, two administration officials said Sunday evening.

The directive makes good on an Obama campaign pledge and marks a sharp reversal from Bush administration policy. Granting California and the other states the right to regulate tailpipe emissions is one of the most dramatic actions Mr. Obama can take to quickly put his stamp on environmental policy.

26 January 2009