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The article reports that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency administrator, Stephen P. Johnson, ruled that California and 16 other states cannot set their own limits for carbon dioxide emissions from automobiles. The state's proposed standard was much stricter than that of current U.S. law. The states plan a legal challenge to Johnson's decision.

President Obama will direct federal regulators on Monday to move swiftly on an application by California and 13 other states to set strict automobile emission and fuel efficiency standards, two administration officials said Sunday. The directive makes good on an Obama campaign pledge and signifies a sharp reversal of Bush administration policy. Granting California and the other states the right to regulate tailpipe emissions would be one of the most emphatic actions Mr. Obama could take to quickly put his stamp on environmental policy. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Focuses on legislation in California to reduce green house gas emissions produced by the automotive industry. Profile of Democratic assemblywoman Fran Pavley and her efforts to support requirement of a 30 percent reduction in greenhouse gasses by 2016; Lawsuit filed by automakers in an attempt to block the legislation; Support for the legislation from environmental groups in California and across the U.S.; Potential impact of the legislation on the progress of global warming.

Discusses the possibility that more American states will follow California's plan for sharp cuts in automotive emissions of global warming gases. Likely adoption of vehicles that are substantially cleaner and more fuel efficient; Intention of New Jersey, Rhode Island and Connecticut to start following California's car rules instead of Washington's; States that have adopted California's rules; Challenges facing automobile makers if some large markets insist on big cuts in global-warming gases.