The
recent election swing and low approval ratings are not the only
manifestations of dissatisfaction with the Bush administration’s
policies. California became the first state to implement stronger
standards for cleaner cars.
The
program would ensure cleaner standards by regulating global warming
tailpipe emissions of all new cars purchased in the state beginning in
2009. This was possible because the federal Clean Air Act allows states
the right to reject federal standards and take a more progressive
approach that considers, not corporate oil profit, but the fate of our
environment.
Maine, along with eight other states, followed California’s lead. The
10 states that adopted the new standards would eliminate 64 metric tons
of global warming pollution per year by 2020, or the amount annually
emitted by 63 coal-fired power plants. One major obstacle remains. The
EPA, which is controlled by the executive branch, must issue a waiver
for the program to commence.
The
Bush administration needs to realize that the Republican downfall of
the recent election was a sign that the nation is tired of continuous
pandering to the interests of big oil companies. The Clean Cars Program
is an urgent concern in Maine because cars and light trucks are the No.
1 contributor to global warming emissions in the state.
If
the EPA fails to issue a waiver on the Clean Cars Program, not only
would the voice of the people once again be snuffed out by the
authoritarian White House, but Maine would fall behind on its Climate
Action Plan, a comprehensive path to reducing the state’s impact on
global warming.
Sam Witherbee,
Environment Maine
Cape Neddick
