The following statement is from Earthjustice President Trip Van Noppen regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision today to grant California’s waiver request to regulate tailpipe emissions of harmful greenhouse gases.

“This is a monumental step by the Obama administration and the EPA to substantially reduce harmful global warming pollution. California and the other 13 states that petitioned the EPA for this Clean Air Act waiver to allow them to regulate tailpipe emissions are leading the way towards a cleaner, stronger energy future and we are pleased that the EPA is allowing them to proceed.

“Now is the time to take action and plan for a cleaner future that guarantees environmental protection, sustainable energy, a stronger economy and secure jobs. This decision to allow California and other states to clean up tailpipe emissions puts us on a path towards that better energy future.

“Granting this waiver restores the traditional legal interpretation of the Clean Air Act and confirms that this administration and the EPA are serious about respecting science and the law. We are encouraged that today’s announcement signals a renewed approach to environmental protection that holds corporate polluters accountable and invests in a new clean energy future that reduces our dependence on fossil fuels and begins making America energy independent.”