Press Release: U.S. EPA to Join California in Delay of FIP Promulgation)

For Immediate Release (C-05-94)
Contact: Communications Office (202) 624-5270
February 2, 1995

555 Capitol Mall, Suite 525
Sacramento, CA 95814

California Secretary for Environmental Protection James M. Strock today provided testimony at an Appropriations Subcommittee oversight hearing before Congressman   Jerry Lewis (R-Riverside) where U.S. EPA made a key commitment to support California's efforts to delay promulgation of the Federal Implementation Plan (FIP).

"We are pleased that U.S. EPA has agreed to support our judicial efforts to delay promulgation of the FIP.  While their previous statements indicated their apparent reluctance to promulgate a FIP, today's commitment to support our filing in the Los Angeles FIP case is the first positive step they have taken to help California. 

Californians have Chairman Lewis to thank for this breakthrough," Strock said.      

In response to questions from Chairman Lewis, U.S. EPA Assistant Administrator Mary Nichols pledged to work with the California Air Resources Board to request a delay in FIP promulgation for the February 6 hearing before the Federal District Court in Los   Angeles.  Their previous position had been to agree to promulgation and then a meaningless two year delay in effectiveness of the FIP rules.

"We are also encouraged that U.S. EPA today agreed to discuss with Congressman Lewis a legislative solution to the FIP, should Monday's judicial opportunity fail.   This is a significant change from their previous flat refusal to consider a legislative solution.  Carefully-crafted, expedited legislation--possibly as a Correction's Day item as described by Speaker Gingrich--may be our only remaining course of action," Strock said.

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