Trump Administration Reportedly Moving to Block States’ Clean Cars Leadership

“America has an inspiring, bipartisan tradition of state-led progress in tackling pollution from passenger cars and trucks. According to news reports, the Trump administration will announce tomorrow that it will prevent states from continuing to make that progress. That would be a reckless and unlawful attack on a great American success story.

“Everyone wins when we adopt strong clean car standards as our public policy. Strong clean car standards give us healthier air to breathe, help protect us from the urgent threat of climate change, and save Americans hundreds of dollars a year in gas expenses. Clean cars reduce our dependence on imported oil, bolster our national security, and help protect Americans from global crude oil price spikes. Clean cars drive the technological innovation that leads to economic prosperity and job growth.

“The unlawful approach the Trump administration is reportedly planning seeks to block states from choosing clean car standards that protect millions of people from tailpipe pollution. The Trump administration would be pursuing this approach even though its own analysis shows it would cost 60,000 American jobs by 2023, even though 17 automakers and a bipartisan coalition of 24 governors have formally asked them not to, and even though there is a clear and growing need for urgent action to address the climate crisis.

“EDF will oppose any attack on state leadership in both the court of public opinion and the court of law, and we will work to secure protective Clean Car Standards for all Americans.”

- Fred Krupp, president of Environmental Defense Fund