"The Bush administration is moving forward with a clear national solution, not a confusing patchwork of state rules," declared E.P.A. administrator Stephen L. Johnson.
Moving* forward?*
What happened to the cherished Replublican value of states' rights? Why did the timing on this ruling--two years after California petitioned for the waiver--arrive the same day that the energy bill became law, a bill the Bush administration opposed, but knew was unstoppable? Why was this waiver denied when 50 previous waivers--many much stricter than this one--have been approved? Why aren't members of the president's own party in open revolt for the way this ruling panders to the automobile industry in an election season that is looking gloomier and gloomier for Republicans?
California's Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (and fellow Republican) immediately vowed to sue the federal government. No doubt he will be joined by 16 other states that pledged to join California in its clean-air standards. The E.P.A. probably hoped to put an end to this issue with yesterday's ruling. In all likelihood, it is just the beginning.
