For years, the Bush Administration blocked states from implementing Clean Cars legislation that would regulate carbon dioxide emissions from cars and help to reduce global warming pollution. Just days after taking office, Pres. Obama announced today that he is clearing the way for states to implement stricter emissions rules. Both Maryland and Washington, DC have passed legislation demanding that cars meet California’s emissions rules and, coming from an organization that spent years raising awareness about the importance of Clean Cars legislation, all we can say is: it’s about time! Finally, Maryland and DC are able to implement a law that enjoyed overwhelming support when it was passed years ago.

DC and Maryland are both leading the nation in tackling global warming. The states have strong green building standards, efficiency measures and now strong automobile standards. While the states have been stepping up to the plate and making strong strides in reducing global warming emissions, the federal government has been lagging behind and even blocking our efforts. We are enormously gratified that one of President Obama’s first acts as President was to come out and support the states who are leading the way to fight global warming, reduce our dependence on fossil fuels, and protect our health.

Check out this video where Obama explains why this waiver is so important:

Read the transcript of the full speech here>>

Maryland’s Governor O’Malley, who supported the Clean Cars bill in 2007, released the following statement today:

“After years of delay from the Bush Administration, we are pleased to see the Obama Administration making one if its first actions the confirmation that States such as Maryland have the right to regulate pollution from vehicles. This is a tremendous step forward to help our nation begin to control its energy future and to address global climate change. Maryland is proud to be among the first states to enact these regulations, and we look forward to continuing to address the critical challenges affecting our state and our planet.

“Maryland’s Clean Cars act is a critical component of how we can reduce our greenhouse gas emissions in Maryland by 25 percent by the year 2020. Today, we renewed our pledge to this scientifically supported goal by introducing the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Reduction Act. The recent early actions Maryland has taken on greenhouse gas emissions make significant strides towards achieving this goal, and the Clean Cars Act makes up about one-fifth of these projected reductions.

“Today’s announcement by the Obama Administration illustrates that the people of Maryland once again have an ally in the White House.”

Thanks to all the volunteers and activists who worked so hard to get this legislation passed!