A coalition of 11 environmental groups has sued the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for revoking California’s authority to set tougher emission standards for cars and trucks than the federal government.
The federal government has allowed California to set its own emission standards since the 1970s because the state has the most cars on the road and struggles to meet air quality standards. Thirteen other states plus the District of Columbia follow California’s rules.
Earlier this year, the Trump administration revoked California’s authority to set its own emission rules, arguing they made cars more expensive.
California and other states filed a similar lawsuit against the EPA last week.
Environment America chairman Doug Phelps said the EPA’s decision was “dumb, and in our view, unlawful.”