Obama begins war on climate change
Updated on 26 January 2009
US President Barack Obama has said he will allow states to set stricter limits on emissions from cars.
The President told the US Environmental Protection Agency to reconsider California's request - denied under President George W Bush - to impose stricter limits on carbon dioxide emissions.
As many as 18 other states have indicated they may follow California's lead, putting emissions standards that are tougher than federal requirements into effect.
Mr Obama said: "The federal government must work with, not against, states to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"California has shown bold and bipartisan leadership through its effort to 21st century standards. And over a dozen states have followed its lead."
The President has also directed the Department of Transportation to set vehicle fuel efficiency standards for 2011 by March, giving car manufacturers 18 months to impose them.
He also instructed the US government in general to become more energy efficient.
The President added: "The days of Washington dragging its heels are over. My administration will not deny facts. We will be guided by them.
"It will be the policy of my administration to reverse our dependence on foreign oil.
"We need more than the same old empty promises. We need to show that this time it will be different."
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