Groups Express Thanks and Support for California to Continue Driving Down Harmful Vehicle Pollution

(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Today, Environmental Defense Fund and 38 health, environmental and equity groups — representing millions of Americans across the nation — submitted a letter thanking California Gov. Gavin Newsom and other California officials for their resolve and commitment to continue reducing harmful vehicle pollution and protecting human health following illegal votes in Congress to disapprove critical clean air standards.

“We support and stand with California in your continued resolve and vital leadership to protect the health and safety of more than 39 million people in California communities, particularly for the communities that disproportionately bear the burdens of this pollution,” said Katelyn Roedner Sutter, EDF’s California State Director.

In May, the U.S. Senate passed resolutions seeking to overturn Environmental Protection Agency waivers allowing California to set clean air standards protecting millions of people from dangerous vehicle pollution. It was the first time Congress moved to undermine the state’s Clean Air Act authority to do so, and it came despite an opinion from the Senate parliamentarian that Clean Air Act waivers allowing California to implement protective clean vehicle standards are not subject to the Congressional Review Act.

The letter expresses strong support of California Gov. Newsom, Attorney General Rob Bonta, Air Resource Board Chair Liane Randolph, and Secretary Yana Garcia for announcing legal action to challenge the reckless and improper attack on the state’s clean air standards by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and Republican leaders in Congress, as well as the state leaders’ vital commitment to take additional actions to drive down harmful vehicle pollution.

Since 1967, federal clean air law has guaranteed California’s right to its own more protective clean vehicle standards. The state's clean air standards for new cars and trucks protect millions of Californians — including children who are more vulnerable to air pollution and the farmers, builders, and others who work outdoors — from harmful tailpipe pollution. The standards also reduce climate pollution and save consumers money at the pump.

The letter notes that California has a long history of advancing vehicle pollution reductions and advanced clean vehicle technologies at the same time it has experienced strong economic growth. The state has been a leader across the nation and the world in building momentum toward electrification. The groups underscored the importance of California officials committing to develop the next generation of clean vehicle standards.

California and 10 states recently joined together to establish the Affordable Clean Cars Coalition. The coalition was formed the day after the U.S. Senate passed the waiver resolutions and is committed to advancing clean vehicles in a manner that cuts harmful pollution, saves consumers money, and supports manufacturing jobs.