Denying California the right to set its own emissions standards hurts all 50 states

Federal overreach will have irreparable environmental consequences

Environment America

WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency reportedly is about to announce a plan to rescind California’s authority to impose stronger car pollution regulations than the federal government. This proposal comes at a time when two in three Americans say the United States needs to do more on climate change and several leading automakers already have agreed to follow California’s tougher emissions standards. 

In response, Environment America’s Clean Cars campaign director Morgan Folger and Environment California’s state director Dan Jacobson released the following statements:

“Instead of thwarting states’ efforts to limit global warming pollution, the federal government should be making it easier to fight this existential crisis. Or even better, we should institute stronger national standards so states don’t have to devise their own. When even major automakers are willing to comply with California emissions rules, it’s clear that this administration will be on the wrong side of history,” said Folger.

“California has led the way on emissions standards for more than a half century. As Americans’ awareness of global warming — and the determination to do something about it — have grown, thirteen other states plus DC have adopted California’s pollution control regulations. Transportation is the number one source of greenhouse gas emissions and states should have more options on how to combat those contributors to climate change, not fewer,” said Jacobson

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Environment America is a national network of 29 state environmental groups. Our staff work together for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the United States put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment America is part of The Public Interest Network, which runs organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world, a set of core values, and a strategic approach to getting things done.  

Environment California works for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open spaces, and a livable climate. Our members across the state put grassroots support behind our research and advocacy. Environment California is part of Environment America, a national network of 29 state environmental groups.