Tell the EPA to let California & other states limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars!
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In 2019, the EPA revoked California's ability to enforce their own emissions standards on cars and light-trucks.
In 2013, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave California a waiver under the Clean Air Act that allowed California to enforce emissions standards for cars and light-trucks. With this waiver, California required all new cars sold to meet specific fuel efficiency and carbon emissions standards.
This waiver was revoked in 2019, when the EPA and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration issued the SAFE-1 rule, which included preventing states from enforcing emissions standards that are stricter than the national standards.
But now, the EPA is reconsidering as it works to meet President Biden's executive order on "Protecting Public Health and the Environment and Restoring Science to Tackle the Climate Crisis."
As part of its reconsideration process, the EPA is seeking input from the public through July 6th.
Cars and light-trucks are the largest direct source of US greenhouse gas emissions
29% of US greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, with 59% of transportation emissions coming from cars and light-trucks.
The greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light-trucks even exceed the emissions from the power sector.
This means that limiting greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light-trucks is critical to addressing the climate crisis.
Allowing California to limit greenhouse gas emissions could create change in other states as well
If the EPA gives California the ability to set greenhouse gas standards, other states will likely follow.
By setting standards that limit greenhouse gases and require fuel efficiency, these states would be fighting climate change as well as saving drivers money on gas and improving air quality.
Sources / Learn More: Environmental Protection Agency, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions, Regulations.gov