California Sues EPA Regarding Greenhouse Gas Emissions

On Wednesday, January 2, California, along with 15 other states, sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, alleging EPA unlawfully rejected California's request to regulate automotive greenhouse gas emissions more stringently than national standards.

In rejecting California's request, EPA noted greenhouse gas emissions do not have any state-specific qualities and are best addressed through national and international policy. Accordingly, California failed to show the "compelling and extraordinary" circumstances required for states to obtain an EPA waiver.