Tighter auto standards on the horizon

WASHINGTON: President Obama pushes for strict auto standards

Two administration officials say that President Obama will direct federal regulators to move swiftly on an application by California and thirteen other states to set strict automobile emission and fuel-efficiency standards, signifying a sharp reversal of Bush administration policy. Giving states the right to regulate tailpipe emissions would be a significant action that President Obama could take to put his mark on a stronger environmental policy.

This policy decision to allow states to regulate auto emissions is particularly important for Southern states. As noted in Getting Greener: Progressive environmental ideas for the American South (from the Center for a Better South), Southerners drive more than the national average. With stricter tailpipe emissions standards, air toxins will be reduced and cleaner air will result. Should Southern states push to adopt the California Clean Car standards, these benefits and savings from fuel efficiency will be possible.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: Former Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) to become chairman of Washington lobbying firm

ARKANSAS: Harsher animal cruelty bill expected to pass

FLORIDA: House Speaker Ray Sansom to be investigated by grand jury

GEORGIA: Senate to consider allowing counties to band together for road projects

KENTUCKY: Gov. Beshear asks state agencies to prepare for deeper budget cuts

LOUISIANA: New Orleans Mayor Nagin to cut some sanitation services to French Quarter in budget dispute

MISSISSIPPI: Coastal homeowners to get $60 million in grants to elevate homes

NORTH CAROLINA: Gov. Perdue names "heavyweight" education chief

SOUTH CAROLINA: House expected to fast-track payday lending bill

TENNESSEE: 45,000 new "green" jobs could be created in the state

VIRGINIA: Top fundraiser for Va. GOP quits, calls party "dysfunctional"

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