Think Progress

Eleven states and environmental groups sue EPA over lax smog standards.

By Igor Volsky on May 28th, 2008 at 9:59 am

Eleven states and environmental groups sue EPA over lax smog standards.»

Eleven states and several health and environmental organizations filed two separate lawsuits yesterday arguing that the “Environmental Protection Agency ignored the recommendation of a key advisory panel of scientists” and issued smog standards that were far weaker than the EPA scientists and health experts had recommended:

“EPA officials ignored the advice of their own scientists when they chose these deficient standards, but they can’t ignore the law,” said Earthjustice attorney David Baron…“The Clean Air Act requires EPA to adopt standards strong enough to protect our lungs and our environment. We’re fighting to make sure that happens. Stronger standards could save thousands of lives, by some estimates.”

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10 Responses to “Eleven states and environmental groups sue EPA over lax smog standards.”

tom Says:

The EPA is just carrying out GDumbya’s orders in the GWOCA — the Global War on Clean Air.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:06 am
Freedom Rebel Says:

This is because Stephen Johnson blocked the California Waiver at the insistance of White House Officials. He can deny it all he wants but he had too many meetings at the WH before he changed his mind and blocked the waiver. These other states wanted to follow California’s lead, of course, the auto industry and the WH were very happy with his decision. It will save the auto industry’s bottom line, because they have not been preparing for this day. Gee like that is a surprise, and they wonder why Japanese vehicles are selling better and consumer rated better.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:30 am
theswan Says:

Are they going to target the administrator who made the decision, and is he vunerable to prosecution?

Meanwhile, I hear that GM is pleading for tax breaks for their new “volt” car. After years of hidig behind the oil lobby and building huge gas guzzlers they now apparently find it to their advantage to plead their case.
It will be interesting to see just how much sympathy they get from the bush goverment prior to their exit. Case in point, they have given the solar, wind, and alternatives little or nothing while they watch them try to salavge the earth.
Alternatives are the future but like everything else Bush and his cronies live for greed and seclusion.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Zimzone Says:

Hey, the EPA will get around to it when they have time. Mr. Johnson is stalwart in his dedication to…um…to Bush.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:41 am
misshusseinmolly Says:

This White House could care less about health and about environment. They care much more about the profits of their oil buddies and auto manufacturers, and making sure they aren’t inconvenienced in any way. And they control the EPA with an iron fist — just as they do all federal agencies (who are supposed to be politically neutral).

Preventing a state like California from establishing tougher emissions standards than required is like penalizing a state for recycling too much, hurting landfill construction companies.

Rogers is right — the air will be considerably cleaner come next January.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:46 am
upside99 Says:

Guess the Repugs are all for states’ rights…. except when it comes to the environment, gun control, gay rights, abortion…… You get the picture.
May 28th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Louis Lemire Says:

Johnson is a corporate crony, just like the thugs recently put on the SC. On close inspection of Johnson’s tenure one can readily strike up a list of criminal activities - something one could do with any GOP cabinet member.

A republican congressman on CSPAN yesterday brought out the fact (which wasn’t disputed) that Clinton in 92 I believe stopped CA from removing toxins from their fuel up and beyond the Clean Air Act. Of course Johnson’s illegal manipulation of the rules goes far beyond Clinton’s but thought I’d mention this since it’s a strong dittohead argument.
May 28th, 2008 at 11:00 am
Zooey Says:

upside99 Says:
May 28th, 2008 at 10:59 am

Yeah, state’s rights except when it makes the Repugs feel all icky, or they think it might cost them money, or they think someone might get something for which they didn’t work quite hard enough.

I guess in R-world it doesn’t have to make sense.
**eyes rolling**
May 28th, 2008 at 11:12 am
cavjam Says:

This could actually be a huge story…
if the polluters weren’t such big buyers of newspaper space and TV time. Curse them librul media.

As for Johnson and his advocacy of using children as guinea pigs for pesticides, or his propensity to “chust follow orders”, there is no truth to the rumor that his family changed its name from “Mengele.”
May 28th, 2008 at 11:43 am
had enough Says:

The residents of CA are about to be hit with monthly sprays for the brown moth for up to 5 Years beginning Summer 2008
I have been hearing this on KGO and from what I have heard:

* Areas of wealth and the very affluent will not be sprayed; such as Operah’s home, Gov Arnold’s home. They can use the twist ties in trees to kill moths

* There have been documented cases of illness after this type of spray; ex onset of asthma especially in children

* While the spray is going on, folks are warned to keep children and pets inside and then wash off outside toys,furniture before using

* Why is Gov. Arnold doing this? So he can then sell fruit over seas claiming the brown moth has been treated and some say to give his contributor, the spraying company business.
May 28th, 2008 at 1:59 pm