In an attempt to capitalize on the political changes in Washington, a group of American car makers urged President Trump to remove cost-effective vehicle emission and fuel efficiency standards. He responded with an announcement in March, to roll back the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s historic Clean Car Standards for new models hitting the market between 2022 and 2025.
Rolling back vehicle standards not only increases pollution here at home, but makes the industry less competitive worldwide. Globally, the vehicle market is demanding more fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Driven by efforts to address mounting air pollution in major cities, markets for low-carbon emission and electric vehicles are booming.
Thanks to gradually increasing emission and efficiency standards, Americans now enjoy cleaner air and the fuel cost savings. Businesses benefit with lower shipping and delivery costs. However, the benefits go farther, to enhance our nation’s energy security and reducing our dependence on imported oil. Rolling back the standards would put our nation at risk on many levels.
In May, Senators Blunt (R-MO), Moran (R-KS ), Young (R-IN), Stabenow (D-MI), Peters (D-MI), and McCaskill (D-MO) introduced a bill (S. 1273) to amend vehicle standards, also known as the “Blunt Clean Cars Rollback”. A bill that reduces fuel efficiency standards for the automotive industry. The bill – S. 1273 – is an attempt by the automakers to roll back clean car and fuel economy standards that are reducing pollution and saving drivers money at the pump. This bill would actually give automakers the green light to sell less fuel-efficient vehicles.
We have the technology to make transportation cleaner and more efficient, we should continue to move in the right direction.
Contact our Ohio Representatives with your views on this issue.
Sources:
Rolling back EPA’s Clean Car Standards is bad for America. Here’s why. | Environmental Defense Fund
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