SACRAMENTO - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has cleared the way for automakers to produce hydrogen-powered fuel cell cars to meet zero-emission vehicle requirements in California and 10 other states, officials said Friday.

The EPA approved regulation amendments adopted by the California Air Resources Board in 2003 that allow manufacturers to produce fuel cell cars as an alternative to the battery-powered cars and light trucks previously required by the state.

Since then 10 other states — Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont and Washington — have adopted the same rules.

“This waiver simply reflects the prominence of fuel cells,” said John Millett, an EPA spokesman. “Fuel cells have really taken off.”

California initially adopted its regulations in 1990, requiring by 2003 that 10 percent of the new cars sold in the state by major manufacturers be zero-emission vehicles.

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h/t: Crooks & Liars