President Charting Landmark Path to Cleaner Cars, More Jobs and Stronger Economy

Statement of EDF President Fred Krupp – August 4, 2021

August 4, 2021
Sharyn Stein, 202-905-5718, sstein@edf.org

"According to news reports, President Biden, joined by leaders of the U.S. Big Three automakers, is expected to announce a vision for our nation that half of new passenger vehicles sold in America by 2030 will be zero-emitting. This is a defining moment for America – the official starting gun in the race to eliminate tailpipe pollution from cars, passenger trucks and SUVs and to make sure those zero-emission vehicles are manufactured here at home.

"The Big Three and other automakers have invested billions of dollars in developing zero-emitting vehicles – a testament to the enormous economic, job and consumer benefits that these vehicles will deliver. A strong vision from President Biden, along with these significant investments, will help ensure lots of high-paying manufacturing jobs here in America to produce zero-emitting vehicles – vehicles that will then save their owners thousands of dollars on gas.

"Transportation is also the biggest source of climate pollution in the U.S. Ensuring half of new cars sold are zero-emitting will help to reduce that pollution and secure healthier air for all.

"Countries around the world are racing to eliminate pollution from their cars and trucks. The expected announcement will signal that the U.S. will not be left behind. Now we must all work together to build on that announcement and eliminate pollution from all new passenger cars by 2035 and all new freight trucks and buses by 2040. It's a goal that's ambitious but achievable. American can win this race, and our prize will be good jobs, savings at the gas pump for American families, cleaner air and a safer climate."

- Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund

# # #

One of the world’s leading international nonprofit organizations, Environmental Defense Fund (edf.org) creates transformational solutions to the most serious environmental problems. To do so, EDF links science, economics, law, and innovative private-sector partnerships. With more than 2.5 million members and offices in the United States, China, Mexico, Indonesia and the European Union, EDF’s scientists, economists, attorneys and policy experts are working in 28 countries to turn our solutions into action. Connect with us on Twitter @EnvDefenseFund