Scientists praise Obama's EPA order

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- The Union of Concerned Scientists is praising U.S. President Obama for an action that might allow states to implement their own vehicle emission standards.

Obama has ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider the Bush administration's denial of a request by California and other states to implement tougher global warming pollution standards for cars and trucks.

"This is a clean break from the previous administration's do-nothing approaches on global warming and U.S. oil dependence," said Kevin Knoblock, the organization's president. "Reconsidering the waiver denial is a clear indication that the new administration is ready to lead on energy and global warming.

"With this announcement, President Obama is beginning to make good on his campaign pledge to restore science to its rightful place in federal policymaking. I'm confident the administration will heed the advice of EPA staff scientists, grant the waiver and take necessary steps to implement nationwide greenhouse gas standards for vehicles."

Knoblock added that if EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson keeps the process transparent, "we'll know the role science played in this decision."