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Trump Cancels California's Auto Pollution Rules

Steve Baragona

   The state that made smog famous is losing its half-century-old
   authority to set air pollution rules.
   President Donald Trump announced Wednesdayon Twitterthat the
   Environmental Protection Agency was withdrawing California's authority
   to issue stricter vehicle efficiency rules than the federal government.
   The movewas the latest in the administration's efforts to loosen
   regulations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
   Thirteen states and the District of Columbia follow California's
   standards. Together, they account for athird of auto sales in the
   United States.
   'Devastating consequences'

   California has pledged to fight the decision.
   "It's a move that could have devastating consequences for our kids'
   health and the air we breathe if California were to roll over,"
   California Gov. Gavin Newsom, aDemocrat, saidin a statement. "But we
   will fight this latest attempt and defend our cleancar standards."
   Trump tweeted that the administration was revoking California's air
   pollution prerogative "in order to produce far less expensive cars for
   the consumer, while at the same time making the cars substantially
   SAFER."
   Opponents saidthe actionwas illegal and unwise.
   "It slams the brakes on technological advancement and throws a wrench
   into states' ability to deal with air pollution and confront the
   growing risk of climate change," Ken Kimmell, president of the Union of
   Concerned Scientists, said in a statement. "It's yet another way the
   administration is defying science, the law and democratic norms to
   enable increased pollution."

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