WST–California-EPA

The head of the Environmental Protection Agency initially supported granting part of California’s petition for a greenhouse gas emissions waiver – but reversed himself after hearing from White House officials, a new report says.

The report is by the Democratic staff of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee.

EPA head Stephen Johnson has been attacked by environmentalists since denying California and at least a dozen other states permission to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from cars and trucks.

Johnson has defended the December decision – applauded by the auto industry – as his alone. He has refused to say whether there was White House pressure. An EPA spokesman didn’t immediately return a call seeking comment.