CA officials praise Obama emissions decision

Today President Barack Obama directed the EPA to reconsider allowing states to set their own emissions standards.

This news was welcomed here in California.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger:

With this announcement from President Obama less than a week into his administration, it is clear that California and the environment now have a strong ally in the White House. Allowing California and other states to aggressively reduce their own harmful vehicle tailpipe emissions would be a historic win for clean air and for millions of Americans who want more fuel-efficient, environmentally-friendly cars. My administration has been fighting for this waiver since 2005 and we will not give up until it is granted because we owe it to our children and to our grandchildren to do more than just protect our natural resources, we must also work to improve them so that we leave behind an environment for future generations that is better than it is today.

Speaker Karen Bass:

By allowing the EPA to reconsider states' ability to set tougher tailpipe emission standards, the Obama Administration is making a big step in the right direction when it comes to air quality, fuel efficiency and combating global warming. The Bush Administration decision denying California a waiver on this issue was wrong in its policy and wrong in its process and this move by President Obama is a breath of fresh air on both counts.

Once the EPA grants this waiver, as it should, California can move forward with our efforts to encourage environmental entrepreneurship and develop new technologies that will help stimulate the economy with badly-needed good-paying green jobs. Add that to the clean, breathable air every Californian wants and needs and this has the potential to be a win-win situation all the way around.

UPDATE: Rep. Jane Harman:

California has long set the bar on energy efficiency and air emissions.  President Obama's action recognizes this.  Hopefully Federal climate change legislation expected later this year will follow California's lead.  Our nation's health and security depend on it