EPA Chief Overruled Calif. Waiver, Too

The Washington Post reported in March that EPA Administrator Stephen Johnson was overruled by the White House in setting an ozone standard. Now, documents obtained from the House oversight committee show that the White House also stepped in on the EPA’s decision of whether to give California a waiver to regulate tailpipe carbon emissions.

EPA staff scientists unanimously recommended that California be allowed to regulate automobile greenhouse gas emissions as they saw fit. Now it turns out Johnson thought the same, until the White House made him reconsider.

Johnson has infuriated states, environmental groups and lawmakers for his pliancy to the White House. Now he may face the full wrath of California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.