Lawmaker to Automakers: Back Off California

WASHINGTON -- The head of a House global warming panel says Congress should grant a waiver to allow California and other states to impose stricter emission rules than the federal standard.

A provision of a bill being developed by congressional leaders would require carmakers to drop their legal challenges to California's tougher approach to curbing greenhouse gas emissions.

During a hearing Tuesday, Rep. Ed Markey said that "any recovery of these companies will require more than just fresh cash." The Massachusetts Democrat said that it will also require "a change of culture, a culture that answers challenges with innovation rather than lobbying and litigation."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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