Global Warming In the News

The Environmental Protection Agency's decision to block California's crackdown on auto emissions is hampering efforts by Colorado to reduce greenhouse gases, an environmental group said Friday.

"The EPA has turned a blind eye to science, law and the critical role that the states are playing in tackling global warming," said Keith Hay, energy advocate for Environment Colorado.

EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson in December denied California a waiver from federal rules that would have allowed the state to adopt a first-of-its-kind greenhouse gas cap on vehicles.

Johnson said Friday that problems with global warming aren't unique to California, so a waiver wasn't justified.

Twelve other states had adopted California's restrictions, and Gov. Bill Ritter planned to approve them.

Colorado car dealers have said their industry would suffer if the state sets tougher emissions standards rather than offer incentives to consumers.