Reinstating this waiver will also allow sixteen other states and the District of Columbia to follow California’s lead and set their own, stronger vehicle emissions rules and ensure that over 120 million people nationwide can realize the benefits of reduced transportation pollution.
John, with the Biden administration’s ambitious goals to cut greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, every opportunity to do so must be seized.
That’s why House Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC) co-chair Rep. Doris Matsui has been unwavering in her call for the EPA to reinstate California’s waiver to set its own vehicle pollution standards. If the EPA reinstates the waiver, California will be able to resume setting stricter auto emissions rules than the federal government. As the biggest state in the country, this could dramatically reduce our overall emissions.
Reducing auto emissions has more benefits beyond combating climate change. The exhaust from fossil-powered engines contains substances that can pose a risk to human health. Long-term exposure to exhaust smoke can contribute to mutations in cells that can lead to cancer. On a daily basis, exhaust can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs – making it particularly harmful to those with asthma and other chronic respiratory problems including children, communities of color, and low-wealth populations.
Taking aggressive action to combat climate change in California’s car-centric economy will be vital to lead the nation towards zero-emission vehicles. Reinstating this waiver will also allow sixteen other states and the District of Columbia to follow California’s lead and set their own, stronger vehicle emissions rules and ensure that over 120 million people nationwide can realize the benefits of reduced transportation pollution.
The Biden administration has already made good on some of its promises on reducing air pollution. In December, the EPA announced its final rule to increase tailpipe emissions standards.
But our work is not yet done. As Rep. Matsui stated: “We need to advance clean transportation technology, ramp up the deployment of zero-emission electric vehicles, and make the crucial investments necessary to protect our future. This is the time to think bigger and bolder on our climate goals.”
Now, we’re waiting on the Biden administration to take the final steps to restore California’s Clean Air Act waiver. This is our chance to take huge strides in reducing air pollution and support California’s leadership in clean air policy.
Thanks to your help in 2020, SEEC PAC was able to re-elect over 95% of our pro-environment members to the U.S. House of Representatives — defying the odds on a night where Democrats lost seats. Now we are counting on you to help our SEEC members pass climate, clean energy and environmental justice policies in the 117th Congress while we undo the damage of the Trump Administration. But if you'd like to receive fewer emails, we understand. You can click here to only get our most important messages, or you can unsubscribe.
The Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition Political Action Committee (SEEC PAC) is an organization that supports members in the U.S. House of Representatives and candidates who fight for clean energy, climate change solutions, environmental justice, and protection of our nation’s clean air, water, wildlife, and public lands. Will you make a donation to our fight today?
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