As you might imagine, she can't argue that the Clinton administration fears for Dianne Peinstein's seat, or for the '96 race, and therefore decided not to follow what previously had been the EPA's own interpretation of the law. To see her and her cronies writhe out of this will be amusing and instinctive. This is not an academic exercise-in Virginia, State Senator Warren Barry has thrown down the gauntlet, daring EPA to explain why Virginia will be sanctioned while California will not. One suspects that, contrary to what some think, the Clinton people will decide to help out Chuck Robb, who is up for reelection this year, and forget the sanctions. Or maybe not.
Strange things happen during revolutions.
In a December letter to Browner, Pennsylvania's acting Governor Mark Singel gave the watchword for the battle. Citizens who favor clean air and solid economic growth can hope his prediction proves valid throughout the nation and that, having bloodied the EPA in the first sting of battle, sensible officials in the states and localities will continue to press their advantage. Regulation is published four times a year by the Cato Institute. Editorial and business offices are located at 1000 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20001.