Statement by Climate Solutions: EPA grants California Clean Cars Waiver
In granting the clean car waiver today, President Obama and his EPA removed a huge roadblock to all states seeking real solutions to global warming. This is good news for us in the Northwest, because the waiver gives Washington, Oregon and 11 other states the green light to follow California’s lead. Climate Solutions and many other groups worked hard to have our states adopt these stronger standards, and they are key elements of the state plans to lower global warming pollution. This decision means that we will finally get cleaner cars on our roads.
Climate Solutions’ Policy Director KC Golden made the following statement today in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of a waiver to California allowing the state to enforce stronger tailpipe emission standards than those required by the Clean Air Act:
In granting the clean car waiver today, President Obama and his EPA removed a huge roadblock to all states seeking real solutions to global warming. This is good news for us in the Northwest, because the waiver gives Washington, Oregon and 11 other states the green light to follow California’s lead. Climate Solutions and many other groups worked hard to have our states adopt these stronger standards, and they are key elements of the state plans to lower global warming pollution. This decision means that we will finally get cleaner cars on our roads.
Reducing global warming pollution with better vehicle technology is one of the easiest and cheapest climate solutions. Automakers can deliver cleaner cars now, with existing technology, and save consumers a bundle on their fuel bills in the deal.
But, there is still much more work to be done if our federal and state leaders are serious about reducing our fossil fuel dependence and building a strong new energy economy. It starts with a no-nonsense commitment and timetable for reducing our dependence on fossil fuels in the form of a cap on carbon pollution and strong policies to promote energy efficiency and renewables. Thankfully, a bill containing the elements of the kinds of policies we need passed the House of Representatives last Friday, and we are committed to fighting to make it stronger and pass it in the Senate.
Today’s waiver decision finally reverses years of foot-dragging and excuses by the previous administration. Had the clean car standards been implemented back when California first requested this waiver in 2005, cleaner, more fuel efficient cars would have already been in dealer showrooms. Our domestic auto industry would likely be healthier and more competitive than it is today.
K.C. Golden is Policy Director for Climate Solutions, a research and advocacy organization pioneering practical and profitable solutions to global warming.
