2007-05-18 14:34:40 -

WASHINGTON, May 18 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The following is being issued by Clean Air Watch:

The federal government has been stalling for a year and a half, but it's finally time for a showdown.

California is seeking federal approval to enforce its greenhouse gas pollution standards for motor vehicles.

It's a critical decision -- and not just for California. Eleven other states have already adopted the California standards, and even more states are waiting in the wings.

Key officials from many of these states are coming to the DC area May 22 to rally

in support of California -- and make their case to the EPA.

What exactly are the stakes here? Why do so many states care about this issue? And what's likely to happen?

For the answers, please join us Tuesday, May 22, 2007 for a press conference to hear why this decision is so very important. It's a great opportunity for "one-stop shopping" -- to meet and hear various state officials in a timely and efficient way.

WHO: Invited representatives -- including cabinet officials, attorneys general and state lawmakers -- from the states of California, Illinois, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Maryland. WHAT: A press conference on California's request to enforce its greenhouse gas standards for motor vehicles WHEN: Tuesday, May 22, 2007, noon EDT WHERE: Hyatt Regency Crystal City (next to the EPA building) 2799 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington VA Prince William Room

For more information, contact Frank O'Donnell, Clean Air Watch, at (202) 558-3527 or (202) 302-2065.

The following organizations are part of the Clean Cars Campaign: American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy American Lung Association of California American Lung Association of New York State, Inc. Arizona PIRG Bluewater Network California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) & CLCV Education Fund Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT) Clean Air Council Clean Air Watch Climate Solutions Coalition for Clean Air Connecticut PIRG Conservation Law Foundation Environment California Environment Colorado Environment Illinois Environment Maine Environment Maryland Environment New Jersey Environment New Mexico Environment North Carolina Environment Rhode Island Environment Texas Environmental Defense Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation MASSPIRG National Environmental Trust National Parks Conservation Association, California Desert Program Natural Resources Defense Council Oregon Environmental Council Oregon State PIRG Penn Environment Physicians for Social Responsibility, Los Angeles Planning & Conservation League Sierra Club Sierra Club California Union of Concerned Scientists U.S. PIRG: The Federation of State PIRGs Vermont PIRG WashPIRG CONTACTS: Wendy James 818-563-9111 Jamie Knapp 530-756-3611 Frank O'Donnell 202-558-3527

Source: Clean Air Watch