Trump Administration To Strip California of Power to Set Emissions Standards

 

FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – President Donald Trump says his administration is stripping California of its power to set its own vehicle emissions standards.

In a tweet, Trump said his move would result in less expensive and safer cars.

“Many more cars will be produced under the new and uniform standard, meaning significantly more JOBS, JOBS, JOBS! Automakers should seize this opportunity because without this alternative to California, you will be out of business,” Trump tweeted.

He said new cars would be cleaner, even as they burn more gasoline than they would have under Obama-era fuel efficiency standards he wants to replace.

California Attorney General Xavier Becerra says his state has influenced the EPA in the past, and called the President’s plan “desperate.”

California’s authority to set its own, tougher emissions standards goes back to a waiver issued by Congress during passage of the Clean Air Act in 1970.

Even before the announcement revoking that authority, California and environmental groups said they planned legal action.

AG Becerra threatened a lawsuit if the administration goes through with the plan.