US EPA approves California emissions standard

WASHINGTON, June 30 (Reuters) - The Obama administration on Tuesday approved California's long-standing bid to set its own standard for reducing vehicle tailpipe emissions, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement.

The decision, a largely symbolic move in tune with the administration's plans for stricter fuel efficiency, aims to reduce emissions that contribute to climate change and endanger public health and welfare, the EPA said. (Reporting by Deborah Zabarenko, John Crawley and Ayesha Rascoe; Editing by Stacey Joyce)