Recently, I told you that California Senator Barbara Boxer invited EPA head Stephen Johnson to a field meeting today, January 10th. I joked then "If I were Steve, I would try to catch the flu before January 10 or settle on some other reason not to go." Well, Stephen must read AutoblogGreen because he did not show up today. Barbara did leave a chair empty just in case. Barbara also put out an empty box labeled "EPA Documents" because Stephen did not send the documents she asked for either.

What do you think readers? Was it Sen. Boxer's fault for not RSVP'ing when Stephen might have caught the flu? Or maybe Stephen was picking up another award today like he is in the picture on the right from the auto industry? All joking aside, do you think this was a failure of our checks and balances system or do you feel the field meeting would have been all-for-show anyway?

Related:

• Video: EPA head ignored entire staff in denying CA waiver says Sen. Boxer
• VP Cheney met with automakers before EPA denied CA waiver
• Pelosi to EPA head on CA waiver denial: "I vigorously disagree with your rationale," "strongly support the inquiry"
• President Bush explains why EPA denied California's waiver to regulate tailpipe emissions

[Source: Senate.gov]

Senator Barbara Boxer has invited EPA head Stephen Johnson to a field briefing in California January 10. Barbara wants to talk to Steve about his decision to deny California's waiver request to regulate tailpipe emissions and she invited a few other people as well, including:

• Edmund G. Brown Jr., Attorney General of California
• Mary Nichols, Chairman of the California Air Resources Board
• Fran Pavley, Senior Advisor, Natural Resources Defense Council
• Carl Pope, Executive Director, Sierra Club

I don't see anyone from the auto industry on that participant list, like the ones beside a smiling Steve in that picture, so I would assume the mood might be a tad hostile. Also Boxer says, "It is crucial that this waiver decision be overturned. I will be taking many steps to make the record that denying the waiver was irresponsible, both on legal grounds and on scientific grounds. This briefing will be an important step in making that record."

If I were Steve, I would try to catch the flu before January 10 or settle on some other reason not to go. I'm guessing the hearing will not be a lot of fun for him.

Related:

• Pelosi to EPA head on CA waiver denial: "I vigorously disagree with your rationale," "strongly support the inquiry"
• VP Cheney met with automakers before EPA denied CA waiver
• Video: EPA head ignored entire staff in denying CA waiver says Sen. Boxer

[Source: Epw.senate.gov]

Outspoken California senator, Barbara Boxer, had a memorable visit to the NewsHour yesterday, supporting California's right to regulate tail pipe emissions. In the highlights clip above which, you can see choice lines like "the cheese stands alone" and the mention of a Washington Post article that says the entire EPA staff told EPA head Stephen Johnson to allow the waiver. Here is a quote from that Washington Post article:

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen L. Johnson yesterday denied California's petition to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks, overruling the unanimous recommendation of the agency's legal and technical staffs.

The Governator says he "will sue to overturn this ruling as quickly as possible." Rep. Waxman has started an investigation and more lawsuits and investigations are widely expected. This isn't over.

Related:

• President Bush explains why EPA denied California's waiver to regulate tailpipe emissions
• EPA says no to California greenhouse gas rules waiver

[Source: Newshour, Washington Post]