Americans stand to breathe more polluted air as a result of a rollback announced by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. EPA Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler proposed to roll back the “Clean Car” fuel economy standards, which, if left in place, would eliminate more than 2 billion metric tons of emissions.
On top of these regressive effects, the proposal would deny states the right to create their own more efficient fuel standards.
Matt Casale, transportation program director for U.S. PIRG, released the following statement:
“The Clean Car standards are a boon to society and help minimize air pollution, which leads to better public health. And while the Trump Administration often invokes states’ rights on other issues, it is trying to eliminate the ability for states to protect their citizens from air pollution.
More than a third of U.S. auto buyers live in the 13 states plus Washington, DC, that have already adopted Clean Car standards requiring vehicles to have stronger emission controls. For the states that don’t currently have those standards, it’s even more important for more stringent federal standards to remain in place.
Americans won’t stand for more polluted air filling their lungs.”
