Federalism | Center for Effective Government

While Feds Dither, States Move to Regulate Greenhouse Gases

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rejected an air permit for proposed power plants due to the threat of the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. The decision makes Kansas the latest state to take proactive steps to stem greenhouse gas emissions while federal agencies and Congress delay action and White House officials continue to question climate science.

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States Sue Bush Administration over New Children's Health Insurance Requirements

Several states have sued the Bush administration over new policies governing the State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP). The suits follow broad opposition from state public health experts and congressional Democrats and Republicans who urged the administration to abandon the new policies. The suits also come as Congress attempts to reauthorize SCHIP after a presidential veto.

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Democratic Disarray on Greenhouse Gases May Let Bush off the Hook

Two House Democrats are circulating a draft of legislation that, if passed, would effectively implement the position the Bush administration held regarding greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions prior to a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling. The legislation threatens to create enough disarray among Democrats that the hope for progress on GHGs generated by the court decision and the 2006 elections could be dashed.

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States Battle Administration on Vehicle Emissions

At least 12 states are considering developing regulations for vehicle greenhouse gas emissions that would exceed federal standards. These states cannot promulgate the rules because the primary federal framework for air pollutant regulation, the Clean Air Act, reserves the federal government's right to block state efforts. Critics are charging the Bush administration with impeding the environmental progress of states and delaying meaningful regulation of vehicle emissions.

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