California seeks -- again -- OK to restrict carbon emissions

California officials are hoping the new atmosphere in Washington, DC, will mean a renewed opportunity for them to regulate greenhouse gases in the state’s atmosphere.

On Wednesday, Mary Nichols, chairman of California’s Air Resources Board (ARB), asked the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider a decision that prevents the state from setting its own standards for emissions from vehicles.

“Because it is now over three years since our original December 2005 waiver request, during which time the evidence of global warming and the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has greatly accelerated, we respectfully request your prompt attention to this matter,” Nichols wrote in a letter to Lisa Jackson, newly designated administrator of the EPA.

Under federal law, states need an EPA waiver to set stricter regulations than those established by the US Clean Air Act. California’s request for such a waiver was denied by the EPA in March of last year.

“We feel strongly that under its new leadership, EPA will recognize that the decision made by the former administrator to deny California the waiver to enforce our clean car law was flawed, factually and legally, in fundamental ways,” Nichols said.

That feeling appears to be justified, as signs of change are already evident in Washington. Just two days into his administration, US President Barack Obama has made several key decisions reversing actions by his predecessor, George W. Bush, including halting last-minute environmental law changes and announcing plans to close the Guantanamo prison facility.