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EPA Set to End California's Ability to Regulate Fuel Economy

Associated Press

   WASHINGTON - The Trump administration is poised to revoke California's
   authority to set auto mileage standards, asserting that only the
   federal government has the power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions
   and fuel economy.

   Conservative and free-market groups have been asked to attend a formal
   announcement of the rollback set for Wednesday afternoon at
   Environmental Protection Agency headquarters in Washington.

   Gloria Bergquist, spokeswoman for the Alliance of Automobile
   Manufacturers, said Tuesday that her group was among those invited to
   the event featuring EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Transportation
   Secretary Elaine Chao.

   The move comes after the Justice Department recently opened an
   antitrust investigation into a deal between California and four
   automakers for tougher pollution and related mileage requirements than
   those sought by President Donald Trump. Trump also has sought to relax
   Obama-era federal mileage standards nationwide, weakening a key effort
   by his Democratic predecessor to slow climate change.

   Top California officials and environmental groups pledged legal action
   to stop the rollback.

   The White House declined to comment Tuesday, referring questions to
   EPA. EPA's press office did not respond to a phone message and email
   seeking comment.

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