Media Statements

Statement: U.S. Postal Service more than doubles its electric vehicle commitment

Electric vehicles

Statement: U.S. Postal Service more than doubles its electric vehicle commitment

The U.S. Postal Service announced on Wednesday that it would purchase at least 25,000 electric vehicles as part of its plan to replace an aging fleet, more than doubling its previous commitment. The announcement comes after the agency’s initial plan to “modernize” its fleet would have electrified only 10% of its vehicles, prompting calls for the agency to revisit its decision and a lawsuit filed by 16 states. The new commitments means at least 50% of the agency’s first 50,000 vehicle purchases will be electric.

Media Statements  

Statement: New federal rule would help tackle country’s largest source of global warming pollution: transportation

Global warming solutions

Statement: New federal rule would help tackle country’s largest source of global warming pollution: transportation

WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden’s administration announced a notice of proposed rulemaking on Thursday to address the climate impact of the nation’s transportation system. The rule, proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), will require state transportation departments and ​​metropolitan planning organizations to report the carbon dioxide emissions of vehicles traveling on their respective sections of the federal highway system, and to set declining yearly emissions targets. The public will have 90 days to comment on the proposed rule.

Media Statements  

Statement: Rather than a gas tax holiday, US should address oil dependence at its roots

Clean energy

Statement: Rather than a gas tax holiday, US should address oil dependence at its roots

WASHINGTON -- In an effort to alleviate the burden of high gas prices for American consumers, President Joe Biden on Wednesday called for a three-month suspension of the federal gas tax. The federal gas tax, at 18.4 cents per gallon, has not been raised since 1993. The average price of gas in the United States was $4.98 per gallon at the beginning of this week, compared to $3.07 per gallon a year ago this time. Suspending the gas tax will require action by Congress. The president also urged states to suspend their gas taxes or provide other relief to consumers.

Media Statements  

Statement: EPA advises stronger limits on levels of toxic PFAS chemicals to protect Americans’ health

Toxic threats

Statement: EPA advises stronger limits on levels of toxic PFAS chemicals to protect Americans’ health

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) unveiled on Wednesday new health advisories for four of the most common toxic PFAS chemicals that pollute drinking water nationwide. These official EPA actions “provide technical information to drinking water system operators, as well as federal, state, Tribal, and local officials, on the health effects, analytical methods, and treatment technologies associated with drinking water contaminants.” In addition, the EPA announced the first round of funding to help clean up these so-called “forever chemicals” in public water systems. However, the EPA does not have the authority to enforce any PFAS standard associated with the health advisory.

Media Statements  

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