SACRAMENTO - Statement from ARB Chairman Mary D. Nichols:

“The President’s announcement represents the kind of bold new actions by the federal government to address climate change we have been waiting for.  As he says: we have a moral obligation to act on behalf of future generations, and the range of programs he presents will help cut heat-trapping pollution, and prepare us for the impacts of climate change. 

California’s greenhouse gas emission reduction programs are strengthened by the President’s actions today. We believe our current program fits well within the outline the President has created. The Clean Air Act provides a framework for strong federal standards and affords states the flexibility to develop their own plans that fit within that framework.  

Today’s plan builds on the leadership that states like California have shown to address climate change. Like California’s approach, the plan offers a wide range of solutions, and builds on existing programs – including the clean vehicles programs that we and federal agencies developed jointly. 

We look forward to continue working with the federal government to make the plan a reality.”