Weakening State Clean Cars Program Threatens Health of Millions

News reports say the Trump administration plans to attack the state clean cars program that helps provide cleaner air and healthier, longer lives for millions of Americans.

“The state clean car standards are a tremendous American success story. They save families money at the gas pump, inspire the technological innovation that leads to jobs and economic growth, help us address the growing threat of climate change, and help ensure that we breathe cleaner and healthier air,” said Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund (EDF). “If these reports are correct, the health of Californians and millions of other Americans across the country are in danger. We will vigorously fight for their right to protect their children and their communities from dangerous tailpipe pollution.”

The Clean Cars program the administration is reportedly targeting helps protect 113 million people in California and 12 other states across the nation.

The authority for a state clean cars program was forged in our nation’s clean air laws and has been recognized for more than half a century. Never in our nation’s history has there been an attempt to revoke a state’s right to these protections.

Automakers like Ford and Honda have made public statements saying they do not want the clean cars standards weakened and are committed to working with California.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt denied such actions were imminent when he testified before Congress. Pruitt was asked if EPA intends to begin proceedings to revoke California’s authority to set its own clean cars standards. He replied, “not at present.” (See C-SPAN video at 1:49:56

"Children and communities all across California are afflicted by tailpipe pollution, and cleaner cars are essential for our efforts to protect public health. This assault on the safety and well-being of our children and families is unlawful and immoral,” said Quentin Foster, EDF Director, California Climate.

Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org), a leading international nonprofit organization, creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. EDF links science, economics, law and innovative private-sector partnerships. Connect with us on EDF Voices, Twitter and Facebook.