TexPIRG denounces federal proposal to stall Clean Car Standards

Trump Administration also seeks to take away states’ rights regarding fuel efficiency

TexPIRG

AUSTIN — The Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration today proposed rolling back the “Clean Car” fuel economy standards, which, if fully implemented, could eliminate more than 2 billion metric tons of emissions and save consumers significant money at the gas pump.

On top of these regressive effects, the proposal would deny states the right to create their own more efficient fuel standards,

Bay Scoggin, TexPIRG State Director, released the following statement:

“The Clean Car standards are a boon to society, helping Texas consumers spend less on gas year after year, and minimizing air pollution, which leads to better public health.

And while the Trump Administration often invokes states’ rights on other issues, it is trying to eliminate the ability for states to protect their citizens from volatile gas prices and air pollution.

More than a third of U.S. auto buyers live in the 13 states plus Washington, DC, that have already adopted Clean Car standards requiring vehicles to have stronger emission controls. For the states such as Texas that don’t currently have those standards, it’s even more important for more stringent federal standards to remain in place.

Texans won’t stand for needing to pay more to fill their tanks, or for more polluted air filling their lungs 

To date, fuel economy standards have saved Texas households $3 billion dollars, and by 2030, each Texas household could be $3,250 richer. https://www.ucsusa.org/sites/default/files/images/reports/vehicles/cv-factsheet-mpg-benefits-texas.pdf

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TexPIRG is an independent, non-partisan group that works for consumers and the public interest. Through research, public education and outreach, we serve as counterweights to the influence of powerful special interests that threaten our health, safety or well-being.