The House Energy and Commerce Committee has finished round one of its comprehensive energy legislation efforts. Unlike the Senate, the House version does not include an increase in CAFE standards, the national program for vehicle fuel efficiency. Republicans pushed for improved CAFE standards, but Democrats defeated their efforts. Leading the charge was auto industry lobbyist veteran Michigan Democrat, Congressman John Dingell. According to Reuters, in its current form the bill would:

On Jan. 3, EPA published a proposed rule potentially allowing "major source" air pollutant emitters to be downgraded to "area source" emitters. Major sources are subject to maximum achievable control technology (MACT), which often results in a significant reduction in air pollution. Area sources are not subject to the MACT standard. Under the current rules, major sources retain that designation permanently — a policy EPA refers to as "once-in, always-in." The proposed rule would repeal the current policy.

Two stories today illustrate a dangerous trend which will likely get worse before it gets better: the importation of dangerous products from China. Much like America during the Industrial Revolution, China's economy is making great strides and the global economy is benefiting. But, also much like America, China's economic growth is outpacing government regulation and oversight. The difference is — because rapid globalization is eroding trade barriers — dangerous products are easily spilling onto foreign shores.

In December 2005, California petitioned EPA to let the state develop its own program and standards for regulating greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. Under the Clean Air Act, the federal government holds the express right to regulate emissions but may grant waivers to states, which it often does. If EPA grants California's waiver request, 11 other states could follow suit. Yesterday, EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson wrote California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger stating EPA would make its decision by the end of 2007. That's two full years after the initial request.