Obama reverses Bush on auto emissions

[Poiuyt]

Obama to let states set auto emission rules
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
EPA would allow states to set own emission standards
Automakers oppose plan as confusing
Former President Bush stopped earlier attempt for state standards


WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Fourteen states will be able to mandate greater auto fuel efficiency than the federal government requires under a plan that President Obama will announce on Monday, a senior administration official said.

Obama will do so by directing the Environmental Protection Agency to grant a waiver for the states to allow them to set their own standards for emissions, the official said.

The waiver was denied under former President George W. Bush.

Automakers agreed with Bush and vehemently opposed the waivers, saying creating another set of rules regarding pollution standards for some states would be confusing and unenforceable.

Besides the EPA waivers, Obama also will call for automakers to increase their fuel efficiency standards nationwide, the official said.

The president also will direct the federal government to make its buildings more energy efficient and to find new ways for federal agencies

http://www.cnn.com/2009/POLITICS/01/26/obama.emissions/index.html