By Pamela Gentry, Senior Political Anaylst

Jan. 27, 2009 – President Barack Obama opened his first full week with issuing two Executive Orders calling for more stringent fuel economy standards by 2011 and setting emissions standards lowering greenhouse gases.  

By signing these memorandums the president removed the road blocks placed on states to legislate stricter limits on vehicles carbon dioxide emissions.  Under the Bush administration California was denied the right to require higher standards.  “America will not be held hostage to dwindling resources,” Obama said to those gathered in the East Room.

California’s application for a waiver last year was blocked by the Environmental Protection Agency under the Bush administration. If this request by California is approved by the EPA, more than 12 states could follow suit and introduce tougher state standards than federal requirements.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) released a statement applauding Obama’s actions. “As a longtime supporter of California’s bold agenda to reduce greenhouse gas emissions I am pleased by today’s announcement, which sends a clear signal from the Obama Administration regarding their commitment to work in concert with pioneering efforts at the municipal and state level in the fight against climate change.”

The president also directed the Department of Transportation to get busy with the auto makers by imposing an 18 month timeline to improve fuel efficiency standards by 2011.
 

Before the day ended the Senate approved New York Federal Reserve Bank President Timothy Geithner as treasury secretary with a vote 60-34.  The vote was closer than expected, but Geithner was confirmed Monday evening and the president moved quickly to have him sworn in.  “Tim’s work will begin at once. We can’t waste a day,” Obama said, standing beside Geithner as Vice President Joe Biden delivered the oath.