--As predicted, Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano has vetoed legislation that would have prevented state agencies from participating in regional climate agreements and overturned the enactment of California's clean cars program. But don't expect a Kansas-style battle here: while industry groups have depserately lobbied for this and some supporters would like to attempt an override, the bill's main sponsor has stated that trying would be "an exercise in futility."
--Less good is the news from Minnesota, where a state Senate committee yesterday halted a push to enact the California auto emissions standards, at least for this year. A combination of auto industry lobbying, and the (astroturfing-driven) opposition of ethanol and agricultural interests, was responsible. Sponsors vow to try again next year, at which point California's waiver denial by EPA-- cited by some in Minnesota as a reason to stall action-- might well have been overturned by the courts, Congress, or a new administration.
--Wisconsin officials are citing climate change impacts as one of the factors they plan on scrutinizing in depth (others include cost effectiveness) before allowing an expensive coal-burning plant to be built. The consideration of similar factors in Iowa, reported on in last week's roundup, is cited as an example being followed here.
--And finally, California Attorney General Jerry Brown continues to make strides with his efforts to limit the climate-change impacts of large-scale development projects. Late last week, Brown reached an agreement with a rapidly-expanding San Diego airport.
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