Federal Court Affirms California’s Clean Vehicle Authority
Federal Court Affirms California's Clean Vehicle Authority Center for Biological Diversity
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California’s Clean Vehicle Regulations Upheld by Federal Appeals Court
Introduction
WASHINGTON— A federal appeals court today upheld California’s longstanding waiver from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which allows the state to set its own program of clean vehicle regulations. The court dismissed a suit brought by the oil and gas industry allied with corn ethanol and biodiesel growers and 17 Republican-led states.
Background
In March 2022, the EPA restored California’s decade-long ability to set its own zero-emission vehicle and tailpipe standards, reversing a decision by the previous administration. Today’s decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit rejects claims that it gives California a regulatory power denied to other states. It leaves California’s waiver — and the clean vehicle program it authorized — in place.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
“Now that California’s well-established right to protect its residents from air pollution and global heating is reaffirmed, the state needs to go full speed ahead with strong car standards,” said Scott Hochberg, a transportation attorney at the Center for Biological Diversity’s Climate Law Institute, which intervened in the case to support California’s waiver. “This year California should continue to show national leadership on clean vehicles by adopting ambitious new standards for gas-powered cars, pickups and SUVs.”
Environmental Challenges
The court confirmed that California faces “significant pollution and climate challenges,” which have “particularly harmful impacts on California” due to its over-stressed water supply, long coastlines, susceptibility to wildfires, and other factors.
Implications for Other States
“Importantly, this ruling ensures that the 17 other states that follow California can keep driving towards a future with cleaner air and cleaner vehicles,” said Hochberg.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality.
- SDG 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
There are no specific indicators mentioned in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. However, progress towards these targets can be measured using indicators such as:
- Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles
- Increased adoption of zero-emission vehicles
- Improvement in air quality in cities
- Reduction in fuel consumption and energy use in transportation
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning. | – Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles – Increased adoption of zero-emission vehicles |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including air quality. | – Improvement in air quality in cities |
| SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy | 7.3: Double the global rate of improvement in energy efficiency. | – Reduction in fuel consumption and energy use in transportation |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: biologicaldiversity.org
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