Documents Prove DOT Interference in Waiver Request

A few weeks news broke that the U.S. Department of Transprtation was conducting a Congressional lobbying campaign to try and fight California's waiver request to fight greenhouse-gas emissions from cars. Requests for documents resulted in over 70 pages of internal memos and emails, where agency officials openly state their opposition to California's request. They directly coordinated with the auto industry to create a list of legislative targets for lobbying. LADN:

The documents also show that the Auto Alliance — a trade group representing Ford Motor Co., DaimlerChrysler and others — provided the agency with a breakdown of auto facilities and employees in each congressional district. DOT officials then used the list to systematically target lawmakers likely to oppose California's request. "Just hit the members/senators with the really big facilities. No need to call those with small distribution centers or anything," Simon Gros, deputy chief of staff to Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, instructed his staff in a June 7 e-mail.

Naturally, California leaders are fuming over this illegal interference and Rep. Henry Waxman who's work on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee exposed this scandal had this to say:

"This initial set of documents reveals that the Bush administration was working hand in glove with the auto industry against state efforts to fight global warming," Waxman said Monday, adding that the committee intends to acquire more materials from the DOT. Waxman had previously questioned the legality of using federal resources to lobby members of Congress.

Speaker Nunez called it "dirty tricks" and Boxer a "inappropriate manipulation" and said the "Bush administration must be held accountable once again for their underhanded effort to block environmental progress." Even Arnold called himself "very concerned" about the lobbying efforts.

Meanwhile, the DOT tried to defend their actions, saying that they were just upholding their obligation to inform "the public and their elected representatives about this important issue". You say inform and I say lobby. Waxman is sure to use these documents for more hearings and who knows what else will come out of the additional document request. California is still waiting for final word on the waiver. Arnold is prepared to go with a lawsuit if we are denied.