Environmental Defense Fund statement on Anthony Foxx's confirmation as Secretary of Transportation

June 27, 2013
Jennifer Andreassen, 202-572-3387, jandreassen@edf.org

(June 27, 2013)  Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) applauded today Anthony Foxx’s unanimous confirmation as Secretary of Transportation by the U.S. Senate. 

“The United States has an opportunity this year to lead the world in securing a global agreement to reduce emissions from international aviation, which are among the fastest growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Nathaniel Keohane, EDF’s vice president for international climate. “Indeed, the President’s Climate Action Plan pledges that the United States will work towards such an agreement in the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Under Secretary Foxx’s leadership, the Department of Transportation should heed the call from the aviation industry itself, and put its considerable diplomatic heft into making a strong agreement in ICAO this September a reality.”

“DOT and EPA have established a strong track record of cooperation in establishing rigorous, health-protective pollution standards for light-duty cars and trucks, and for medium- and heavy-duty trucks. We look forward to seeing continued fruitful collaboration between DOT and EPA as they work together to create world-leading second generation pollution standards for large trucks,” said Peter Zalzal, attorney with EDF.

Environmental Defense Fund looks forward to working cooperatively on these and other issues with Secretary Foxx.

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