Bill would block states on auto rules

A dozen states would be blocked from imposing new requirements on automakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under a draft energy bill being prepared for a vote later this month.

The "discussion draft" would prohibit the head of the Environmental Protection Agency from issuing a waiver needed for a state to impose auto pollution standards if the new requirements are "designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions."

California has been battling the federal EPA for two years over a state law that would require automakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mainly carbon dioxide, by 25 percent from cars and 18 percent from SUVs by the 2009 model year.

The state still needs the EPA waiver before the law can be implemented. Eleven other states, including most of the Northeast as well as Washington and Oregon, have said they would follow California's lead if the federal waiver is granted.

A provision that would bar such a waiver for any action aimed at climate-changing greenhouse gases is tucked deep in the draft bill that was circulated Monday among members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

It was drafted by Rep. Rick Boucher, D-Va., whose Energy and Commerce energy subcommittee has scheduled a hearing on the legislation for Thursday.

Rep. Edward Markey, D-Mass., a committee member, said the bill would "pre-empt the rights of states to set strong standards to save energy and reduce global warming pollution."

The bill, which is expected to be voted on by the committee later this month and then combined with other energy legislation, addresses a broad range of energy issues.

It calls for expansion of the production of ethanol and other alternative motor fuels _ including liquefied coal _ to 35 billion gallons a year by 2025.

It also requires automobiles to increase fleet-wide fuel economy to 35 miles per gallon, from the current 27.5 mpg, by 2021 and requires them to make 85 percent of their new cars capable of running on 85-percent ethanol blends by 2020.

But the language on the greenhouse gas waiver is likely to meet strong opposition from lawmakers from California and other states that want to reduce carbon dioxide _ the leading greenhouse gas _ from automobiles.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., has criticized the EPA for not moving more quickly on California's waiver request.

Rep. Henry Waxman, D-Calif., also a member of the energy panel, said the legislation would "strip states of their existing authorities" when it comes to dealing with global warming emissions.

"The intent is to tie EPA's hands when it comes to establishing greenhouse gas standards," said Frank O'Donnell of Clean Air Watch, an environmental advocacy group.

States that have said they will impose emission reductions for greenhouse gases from automobiles if California gets its waiver are Oregon, Washington, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont. Other states are considering similar moves.