Stephen L. Johnson
USEPA Headquarters
Ariel Rios Building
1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N. W.
Mail Code: 1101A
Washington, DC 20460

RE: Grant California waiver

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I strongly urge you to act immediately to grant the State of California a waiver for new emission standards passed in 2004.

In 2004, California adopted regulations limiting greenhouse gas emissions from light trucks and passenger vehicles. The new limits would phase in gradually, and by 2016 greenhouse gas emissions from new vehicles would be cut by 30%. Ten other states – Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Washington – have adopted California's standards as well.

California is still waiting to implement the new standards. The only thing holding up approval is the receipt of a waiver from the EPA under section 209(b) of the Clean Air Act, which California has requested. The waiver requirement aims to ensure that the proposed state standards be at least as protective as federal standards. Of course, the new standards are MORE protective than federal standards, and much closer to those needed throughout our nation to deal with the crucial issues of vehicular greenhouse gas emissions.

Please grant the waiver immediately.  I join millions of concerned citizens in California and throughout our nation in closely following this vital matter.