Connecticut Attorney General Calls Greenhouse Gas Court Decision Victory I

December 12, 2007 -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today hailed a federal court decision affirming the right of states to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions, calling it a major victory in the fight against global warming.

Blumenthal's office filed a friend of the court brief in the case.

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"This decision is a sweeping and significant victory to regulate vehicle greenhouse gas emissions," Blumenthal said. "I'm very pleased that the court pointedly and powerfully affirmed the right of states to enact their own greenhouse gas emission standards for cars and trucks. This decision means that Connecticut and other states can force reductions in pollutants that cause global warming.

"The federal government needs to stop its shameful stonewalling and address this growing and grave threat to the environment and human health. Recent events, including dramatic and potentially disastrous decreases in Arctic ice, further demonstrate the urgent need for decisive action. The Bush administration must cease sticking its head in the sand and act immediately against global warming.

"Today's decision is one battle in the war against global warming. I will continue to fight at the state and federal levels for changes that address this potentially catastrophic threat to Connecticut and the nation."
The plaintiffs, including automobile dealers and manufacturers, challenged the authority of California and other states to regulate vehicle CO2 emissions under the federal Clean Air Act.

Source: Connecticut Attorney General