Conserving oil is no longer an economic imperative for the U.S., the Trump administration declares in a major new policy statement that threatens to undermine decades of government campaigns for gas-thrifty cars and other conservation programs.

By Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press

The Environmental Protection Agency denied new emissions proposals from California and 16 other states Wednesday that would set guidelines for automakers. Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., and a former EPA official debate who should regulate emissions.