Probe sought in EPA emission turndown

WASHINGTON, Dec. 20 (UPI) -- A leading House Democrat said Thursday he would investigate the government decision to block California's new emission standards.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., chairman of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency "raises serious questions about the integrity of the decision-making process."

In a letter to EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson, Waxman said Johnson reportedly overruled the unanimous recommendations of EPA's legal and technical staffs in deciding to reject California's application.

California has moved to cut greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks by 30 percent between 2009 and 2016.

Under the Clean Air Act, California is allowed to set its own air quality standards, though it must obtain a waiver from the EPA to do so. The agency had never denied a state application until now.

Johnson noted the recently passed energy bill would impose higher fuel efficiency standards that would cut emissions.

More than a dozen states, representing roughly half the U.S. auto market, may follow California's lead. Automakers say that could require them to sell different vehicles in those markets.