California will be able to set its own regulations on greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles, pickups, SUVs. The Biden administration reverses a Trump-era decision. California now has the ability to do so and is at the forefront in combating climate change.

The decision reinstates a Clean Air Act waiver that allows California to adopt stronger fuel economy standards than those of the federal government and set the precedent for the rest of the country on how to mitigate vehicle emissions. The state’s past ability to control vehicle emissions led to some innovative strategies in the auto industry, such as catalytic converters, which convert toxic gases and pollutants in exhaust gas into less toxic pollutants, as well as “check engine” lights.

U.S. transportation is the leading source of greenhouse gases, with approximately 28%. 29 percent of the country’s emissions. California is the most populous country and home to many congested freeways. These roads emit carbon pollution into the atmosphere, creating a cloudy sky over Los Angeles.

California’s stricter standards have been adopted by 17 states, and the District of Columbia. These standards will be enforced through the California Air Resources Board.

According to the Clean Air Act the state can request federal permission to establish its own standards for tailpipe emissions that lower the emission of gas-powered vehicles. California was the first state to establish this. first tailpipe emissions standards1966 was the year that this country became independent.

In 2019, the Trump administration revoked California’s ability to regulate its air quality. It argued that this would not allow any “political agendas” in one state to determine national policy. The Trump administration made this decision as part of its wider rollbacks of Obama-era climate change and vehicle emissions regulations.

Michael Regan, EPA administrator, said Wednesday that California is proud to reaffirm its authority to address pollution from cars and trucks. “Our collaboration with states to address the climate crisis is more vital than ever.”

Regan stated that “with today’s actions, we reinstate an approach which for many years has helped advance clean technology and cut pollution for people not only in California but all across the U.S.”

Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), who also chairs the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, stated that “When clearing a jam in traffic, the first thing to do is get off the brake.” The Biden Administration has done exactly that by restoring California’s authority to establish tailpipe standards under the Clean Air Act.

Frank Pallone (chair, Energy and Commerce Committee) stated that Trump’s action was reversed by the Biden administration in a statement.

Pallone stated that today’s actions are a win-win situation for all because the waiver assists states in improving air quality and spurring American innovation in clean vehicle technology. It also ensures consumers have the best vehicles available.

The Biden administration’s decision will also help California move towards its goal of phasing out all new gas-powered passenger cars and trucks by 2035.

Gov. Gavin Newsom made the promise in 2020 and stated that it would reduce the state’s carbon emissions by 35%. California has regulations that require certain proportions of all new vehicles to have zero emission or electric power.

Newsom stated in a statement that “I thank Biden Administration for correcting the reckless mistakes of the Trump Administration and recognizing our decades-old authority, to protect Californians’ and the environment,”

Newsom stated that the decision “comes in a pivotal time underscoring our need to stop relying on fossil fuels.”

On Wednesday, environmental groups praised strongly the EPA for its decision to reinstate Clean Air Act waiver.

Michelle Robinson, Director of the Clean Transportation Program of the Union of Concerned Scientists said Trump’s reversed action was based on a “deeply flawed understanding of law” that prevented states from taking important steps towards reducing carbon emissions.

“Today’s reinstatement of the waiver is an important milestone in the fight to preserve critical environmental regulations undone by the Trump administration,” Robinson said.

Luke Tonachel from Natural Resources Defense Council is director for clean fuels and vehicles. Tonachel stated that it was states who have lead the fight against tailpipe pollution to move towards cleaner cars.

Tonachel explained that the law gave California and other states authority to establish standards to reduce pollution that could affect the health of the citizens, despite attempts by the former administration to undermine it. Reaffirming the legal authority to regulate pollution will help protect public health, and address climate change.