The automakers are behind it, and there is some logic to their reasoning - even if it is twisted in their favor. Should the controls be regulated nationally or locally? If we have 50 states with 50 sets of standards, requiring manufacturing of different products to meet the individual standards, wouldn't that drive up prices and have a negative effect on the consumer and business?

Of course the logical answer is to produce cars that will pass ALL pollution controls, but that would require logic and it is something that is very rare for big business and big government.