Protecting Strong State Policy

/uploads/t_/xq/t_xq969fCH3YyDGs-huvgw/lotoprii.guy.weathersby.CC.jpg

Clean cars are one way that states are setting stronger policy than the federal government.

Take today's e-action

Ask your governor to support strong global warming pollution cuts

Colorado needs to make a strong commitment to fight global warming, and we have the tools to do it. Scientists agree that we need to cut pollution 25 percent by 2020, and 65 percent by 2050, to avoid the worst effects of global warming.

Recently...

Courts rule in favor of Clean Cars

In September, the governors of 13 states released an open letter to the CEOs of General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, Toyota, Honda and Nissan, asserting their commitment to forge ahead with state Clean Car programs and urging the auto manufacturers to withdraw their legal challenges of the program. We helped 12 states pass Clean Car programs that have been put on hold by the EPA. Shortly after, a district court in Vermont ruled in favor of clean car programs.

What's at stake

Over the course of American history, state legislatures have often proved more nimble than Congress at addressing the needs of constituents. In fact, states will often serve as “laboratories of democracy.” Good ideas and sound policies will spread to other states and set a precedent for the federal government.

For instance, 10 states from Washington to Maine have passed more stringent emission standards for cars and SUVs. Voters in California passed a law that requires foods containing mercury and other toxic contaminants to be labeled.

Unfortunately, powerful corporate interests are pressing Congress and the Bush administration to wipe these and other effective state laws off the books and prevent states from charting their own course. Environment America is working to ensure that states can continue to solve local problems and do what it takes to protect the health and well-being of their residents—especially when the federal government has failed to do so.

Take it to the next level

Share your story. We'd love to hear what you have to say about the issues facing our environment. Click here.

Your gift goes a long way

Join Environment America!

/uploads/oM/Su/oMSuJJyrw0Uc0O325LJ24w/envirocard.jpg

Recent actions and results

Now in its twelfth year, the annual Congressional Scorecard has been one of the many citizenship tools used by Environment America to preserve the environment, advocate in the public interest, and revitalize participation in our democratic process. Click here to find out how your elected officials voted on key environmental issues.

What else are we doing?

Click here for more on our work on federal environmental policy.

In the news

^RecentPosts(oOVazMYO7In22rYZfB09AQ,UzEjSN64oIqfRzwNSTKn9Q,1,post_epoch_date,1,userDefined2,userDefined1);