On Nov. 8, the state of California decided to sue the United States for not supporting their anti-pollution legislation.
In 2005, California created legislation requiring car-makers to cut vehicle emissions by 30 percent by 2016.
However, to make this legislation a law, California needs the backing of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
In the case paperwork, California’s attorney general says that California considers the case to be urgent. He warns also that the greenhouse emissions from automobiles are rising more quickly than from any other source.
California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger decided to sue the United States Federal government because he thinks that legally there is no reason for the EPA to stand in the way of the legislation being passed.
Eric Hawes, a first-year environmental studies major, thinks California’s decision was a wise one.
“The United States government needs to be challenged,” Hawes said.
Anne Marie Drolet, sophomore environmental studies major, agrees with Hawes.
“The issue of global warming definitely needs to be addressed,” Drolet said. “And though it’s not a huge contributor, fuel emission really needs to be looked into.”
However, EPA spokeswoman Jennifer Wood thinks that California’s decision to sue the U. S. government is hindering the passing of the legislation.
“The administrator has stated numerous times that he plans to make a decision by the end of the year,” Wood said to the Associated Press. “It’s unfortunate that California is more interested in getting a good headline than allowing us to make a decision.”
Schwarzenegger stands his ground.
“Our future depends on taking action on global warming now,” said Schwarzenegger to ABC News. “There’s no legal basis for Washington to stand in our way.”
Schwarzenegger is not alone in his pursuit. Arizona, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington plan to help pass the legislation as well.
Other problems face the lawmakers, however. United States automobile industry groups are worried that the cost of automobiles will rise, causing difficulties for automobile makers.
Hawes does not agree with this concern.
“We have and have had for a long time, the technology to significantly lower CO2 emissions at no substantial cost to the automobile industry,” Hawes said. “This is a direct example of the power oil industries have on determining government policies.”
For states supporting the issue, the sooner the better.
Lee Moore, a spokesperson for New Jersey Attorney General Anne Milgram said to MSNBC News, “Our position is that it’s time for EPA to either act or get out of the way.”