States Edge Closer to Forcing Cleaner Cars

The political battle continues over whether states can set higher fuel-efficiency standards than the federal government. By a 10-9 vote, the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee on Tuesday passed a bill that could speed the process. Two years ago California asked the EPA for permission to establish tougher fuel standards; 14 other states followed suit, including Florida, according to a release from Florida Sen. Bill Nelson. The EPA has not responded, and some states have threatened to sue if the EPA doesn’t make up its mind. The bill, co-sponsored by Nelson and California Sen. Barbara Boxer, would force the EPA to act within a month of a state’s application.