May 20, 2022 (BOSTON, MA) – Fossil fuel industry groups and several states have filed a legal challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency’s action restoring California’s authority to adopt stronger pollution and fuel economy standards for cars and trucks than those of the federal government. The Trump Administration had previously unlawfully blocked California’s efforts. Conservation Law Foundation (CLF) joined a group of environmental organizations in intervening in this case to defend the EPA rule today.
“Strong vehicle emissions standards are critical to tackling the climate crisis given that transportation is the nation’s largest source of polluting emissions,” said CLF attorney James Crowley. “Toxic tailpipe pollution wreaks havoc on our health, air quality, and climate. It’s time we act. The Biden Administration made the right call in restoring California’s ability to set stricter standards, and we’re defending the rights for other states to follow suit”
Vehicle fuel economy standards are among the federal government’s most important tools for reducing climate-damaging greenhouse gas emissions from transportation. They also put pressure on manufacturers to continue to ramp up the production of cleaner cars, including electric vehicles.
All New England states except New Hampshire have committed to adopting the stricter standards.
CLF experts are available for further comment.
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