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. Why so long? Since the Supreme Court decided in April greenhouse gases may be subject to regulation under the Clean Air Act, there is no basis for denying California's petition. Therefore, for an administration which holds environmental regulation in contempt, the only remaining choice is endless delay. In April, Schwarzenegger wrote to Johnson threatening to sue EPA if a decision was not made by October. Johnson's stall tactic will set up a showdown between EPA and the states. Reg•Watch does not believe Schwarzenegger is the kind of governor who would back down from a fight. Johnson's letter is provoking anger here in Washington as well. Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, frequently finds herself vexed by Johnson. One would think she'd have grown tired of scolding the administrator, who happens to be one of this administration's smuggest and least cooperative officials. Nonetheless, Boxer was able to muster a response: An announcement of yet another delay is unacceptable. California has never had a waiver request denied, and long ago submitted a comprehensive record in support of this petition. California is a leader in cleaning up the environment and fighting global warming, but the Bush Administration continues to slow down efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is long past time for the EPA to grant this waiver, get out of the way and let us step up to the challenge of global warming. I will continue to conduct oversight hearings and communicate directly with the Administrator on this issue until the matter is resolved.