By moving ahead with its own rules, California can bolster the administration's negotiating position with the auto industry. If it declines to send a clear signal now, it risks being hobbled for years by whatever weak action Washington chooses.

Getting the next generation of cars right isn't just good for the planet. It's good for American jobs. It's good for the economy. It's even good for the carmakers.

You may not be familiar with the chemical bisphenol A, commonly known as BPA, but there is an excellent chance that BPA is very familiar with you.

Obama announced Tuesday that he is making California's standard for greater vehicle fuel efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions the new national standard.

NRDC and other environmental groups have long called for federal regulations of global warming emissions from cars. But it is heartening to see the auto industry finally back such an effort as well.

This president isn't going to sacrifice the environment for short-term economic expedience. In fact, he seems to view environmental progress as key to economic progress.