The Environmental Protection Agency gave California permission Tuesday to pursue more stringent air pollution rules than required by the federal government - clearing the way to implement a state pollution law requiring new cars to increase their fuel economy to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 - which is what President Obama would like to see happen. Governors and officials from many states ready to adopt California’s standard - such as New York, Arizona, Connecticut and Maine - welcome this development.

California has been trying to implement the law for five years - but was denied by the Bush administration. This decision is seen as something that will set the stage for tougher national vehicle fuel economy requirements President Obama promised in May. EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson says the decision reinforces the historic agreement on nationwide emission standards announced by Obama.

President of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Dave McCurdy says the group is hopeful this waiver won’t undermine the efforts put forth to create a national program. California Senator Barbara Boxer says this decision is putting science and the law back into the driver’s seat rather than politics and special interests.