Ohio officials say they have no plans to join California and 13 other states that want to set strict automobile-emissions and fuel-efficiency standards.

President Barack Obama directed federal regulators yesterday to approve applications by the states to reduce vehicle emissions of carbon dioxide, a gas tied to climate change.

The plan would make automakers accelerate plans to cut pollution by increasing cars' fuel economy. The Bush administration opposed the idea, as does the auto industry, which says the changes would raise the cost of cars and trucks at a time when many manufacturers face bankruptcy.

Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland agrees.

"It could have a profound impact on Ohio's economy," said Amanda Wurst, Strickland's spokeswoman. "The best way to approach this is through a national standard."

Advocates say it's no surprise that Ohio isn't interested.

"The auto industry dominates in Ohio," said Jack Shaner, a lobbyist with the Ohio Environmental Council.

About 30 percent of carbon emissions nationwide are made by cars and trucks, according to U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates.

The California plan would cut carbon emissions from cars and light trucks by 30 percent during the next seven years. It would make automakers increase the average fuel efficiency of their cars to roughly 35 miles per gallon by 2016.

A federal law enacted in 2007 calls for 35 miles per gallon by 2020. The current standard for cars is 25.7 miles per gallon and 22.5 miles per gallon for light trucks.

The Bush EPA denied California's plan in March, saying the federal standard was sufficient. The rejection followed auto-industry arguments that the price of new cars would increase an average of $3,000 per vehicle.

Wade Newton, spokesman for the Alliance for Automobile Manufacturers, said the states' plans would create a "patchwork of regulations."

"A national plan is the most effective way to do this," Newton said.

The Ohio EPA has repeatedly refused advocates' requests to limit carbon emissions from a proposed coal-fired power plant and a proposed plant that would convert coal into jet and diesel fuel.

In a Nov. 26 letter to the U.S. EPA, Ohio EPA director Chris Korleski said a national law is needed before the state will act.

Rebecca Stanfield, senior energy advocate with the Natural Resources Defense Council, said automakers should embrace California's standards because consumers want more fuel-efficient vehicles.

"There is a big market out there for cars that use less gas," Stanfield said.

shunt@dispatch.com