In a positive step forward for federal respect of state regulatory powers,
President Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider a previously denied waiver to allow
California to set more stringent auto emissions and fuel efficiency standards than required by federal law. In a statement by the White House,
President Obama said "the federal government must work with, not against, states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions." The directive represents not only greater respect for state authority, but also a
sharp break from the climate policies of President Obama's predecessor.
