California Sues EPA Over Global Warming Law

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and California sued the Environmental Protection Agency Thursday, hoping to stop the foot-dragging that has prevented the EPA from ruling on the state's greenhouse gas tailpipe reduction law.

Thirteen other states plan to follow California's lead -- 40% of the nation, by population, according to the L.A. Times. They would set new limits on tailpipe emissions for 2009 model year vehicles -- a step that is controversial, in part, because it would almost certainly mean an upgrade to fuel economy, and setting fuel economy standards is a federal role.

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of California earlier this year, telling the EPA that it had the right and responsibility to regulate the pollution that causes global warming. Now, 14 states are waiting on the EPA's decision to grant or deny California's request under the Clean Air Act to execute that authority.

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