Biden restores California's ability to set stricter auto pollution rules

• California is the largest auto market in the U.S., and transportation is the country's largest source of carbon dioxide, writes Axios' Ben Geman.

The big picture: The reversal of the Trump-era policies has been part of President Biden's pledge to tackle the climate crisis.

• “Today we proudly reaffirm California’s longstanding authority to lead in addressing pollution from cars and trucks,” EPA Administrator Michael Regan said in a news release.
• "With today’s action, we reinstate an approach that for years has helped advance clean technologies and cut air pollution for people not just in California, but for the U.S. as a whole," he added.

The administration earlier this week unveiled additional measures it is taking to advance cleaner transit, including new limits on smog- and soot-forming nitrogen oxide emissions from heavy-duty vehicles

What they're saying: “I thank the Biden Administration for righting the reckless wrongs of the Trump Administration and recognizing our decades-old authority to protect Californians and our planet,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D) said in a news release.

• “The restoration of our state’s Clean Air Act waiver is a major victory for the environment, our economy, and the health of families across the country that comes at a pivotal moment underscoring the need to end our reliance on fossil fuels," he added.