California is once again seeking federal approval for its plans to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. If the Environmental Protection Agency gives California the green light, 17 other states representing almost half of the U.S. auto market are expected to follow suit.

California first asked EPA to approve its plan — under which "carmakers have to show a 30% overall reduction in greenhouse gas emissions on their vehicles by 2016," according to The Los Angeles Times — in December 2005. Under the Clean Air Act, only EPA can regulate emissions; but the agency may grant a waiver to California if the state wishes to adopt more stringent regulations. If EPA grants California a waiver, other states may choose between the national regulations and California's regulations.

After keeping California on hold for two years, former EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson denied the request for the waiver to the disappointment of states and environmentalists alike. (Later, a House investigation would show that the White House pressured Johnson to deny California's request.)

But with a new administration in town, California is back at it. Mary Nichols, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board, wrote to incoming EPA administrator Lisa Jackson asking Jackson to reconsider the denial. Jackson has already pledged to revisit the issue, and the forecast for California is much brighter than it was during the Bush years.

Of course, opposition from industry lobbyists will be just as fierce. According to the LA Times, "Asking carmakers to comply with California's rules would be tantamount to forcing a cancer patient to 'finish chemo and then go run the Boston Marathon,' General Motors Corp. spokesman Greg Martin said."

Needless to say, America can't sit around much longer waiting for Detroit to voluntarily produce more fuel efficient cars. Mandatory federal standards could serve as chemo for GM, which has turned out to be a cancer on our economy. Will GM be so glib the next time it comes to the American taxpayers hat in hand?

Not every automaker is so incensed. From the LA Times:

Ed Cohen, vice president for government affairs at Honda, believes that carbon-based standards are inevitable. He said Honda had been preparing for the Obama administration to grant the waiver, making plans for a fleet far more efficient than even that called for under the California rules.

"We're setting a pattern for the future," Cohen said. "Any company that is not assuming a constant rate of improvement in fuel economy and carbon emissions is making a big mistake."

Reg•Watch forgets, is it Honda or GM that's been struggling recently?

Some industry lobbyists will surely continue to rail against California's plans, but hopefully the Obama administration will see the big picture. Stay tuned for updates.

Update: President Obama issued a memorandum instructing EPA to reevaluate California's request.