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Florida Joins Fight For Clean Air

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: February 23, 2008

Florida is fighting for states' rights - as well as clean air - by joining the lawsuit filed by California against the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

In December, the EPA blocked efforts by California and 16 other states, including Florida, to limit greenhouse emissions from cars and trucks.

EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson said the recent energy bill passed by Congress made state-imposed emission standards unnecessary.

But California and the other states want tougher standards than those adopted by Congress.

It's fine for Washington to set baseline standards, but states should be allowed to protect their unique environments.

In Florida, for instance, transportation accounts for almost half of its carbon dioxide emissions, most from passenger vehicles.

Gov. Charlie Crist, who views climate change as a serious economic threat, proposes to gradually reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase energy efficiency and promote renewable energy sources. He should be free to do so, without the interference of Washington bureaucrats.

Besides, the EPA's stance is a ruse. Sponsors of the energy bill insist it was intended to establish minimum standards, not prevent states from taking additional steps.

The wishes of the automobile industry, rather than the public welfare, appear to be driving the EPA's decision. Florida and Gov. Crist are right to expose the charade.

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