California won the right to regulate vehicle emissions but can they actually enforce it?

Question

I thought that only the Federal Government, via the Environmental Protection Agency, could set the standard for vehicle emissions and how many miles per gallon vehicles are to maintain.

Answer 1

Barbara,
as a proud Southern Californian I can tell you that the State will make the deadlines as they propose and will set standards according to what "they" feel levels are legally acceptable and environmentally sound.

The environmental impact reports (EIR) in California are likely the toughest in the nation (with the exception to possibly Hawaii). The State has the right to go beyond the Federal Government guidelines and as long as the Federal minimum standard is set - the State is allowed to make those standards better than the Federal Guidelines would allow.

I can tell you from first hand experience that the reason desalinization (by way of example) is so slow in the State of California is due in large part to the EIR phase (in addition to permitting) pertaining to a) Brine (aka "blow out") that requires disposal and b) the temperature of the lagoons near by for the entry of water to the system. This goes on to much more detail and is different from the question you ask; however, similar in that EIR reports also impact vehicle emissions in the same fashion they do with new construction of anything whether building, plants, factories, and even stores and schools.

With the population density between Los Angeles and San Diego onto San Ysidro and the Mexican Border town of Tijuana - I will attest first hand to the necessary vehicle emission regulation based on this same density. Traveling the 234 or the 110 from Pasadena to L.A. as one approaches from the San Gabriel Mountains or traveling due West from the Inland Empire you literally see a stream of smog hovering the highway route. This is true also driving the I-5 (Interstate-5), I-10, I-15, I-215, I-405 (aka the 405), I-610, the 710, the Hollywood 101, or the 91 between between the Counties of Orange, L.A., Riverside, and San Bernardino. (By the way all the highways I listed above are the major thoroughfares through any part of Southern California - Interstates ending in "5" move North and South, those ending in "0" move traffic in a West - East fashion; and I would say East-West only on the West Coast you technically are as far "West" as you can get).

Hope this helps a bit.

Answer 2

My state has a vehicle emissions law that is slightly stricter than the federal guidelines. All cars made after 1995 have to pass an emissions test during the yearly inspection. It has actually help cut down on pollution and is bringing in more tax money since the emissions inspection costs 20$ more than the regular inspection for cars made before 1995.

Answer 3

The federal government can set federal guidelines and rules, but states have the right to enact laws that are more strict.

Answer 4

Car tabs. You have to go through the department of licensing from your state. They can deny you car tabs if you don't meet their regulations.

Answer 5

CA is digging their on hole with their whacko liberalism........With the epa law...CA will be broke by 2012............I personally am glad to see it...I wish SF would drop in the ocean!