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Press Release

ELPC Welcomes EPA Restoring California’s Authority to Set Own Clean Car Standards

“EPA’s action recognizes important role of states under the Clean Air Act to lead the way”

STATEMENT BY ANN JAWORSKI
STAFF ATTORNEY, ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER

“The Environmental Law & Policy Center welcomes the U.S. EPA’s action to reaffirm California’s authority to set its own greenhouse gas emission and zero-emission vehicle standards that may be stronger than federal standards as clearly permitted under the Clean Air Act. This is another step toward undoing Trump administration damage to progress on climate and clean cars.

“Under the Clean Air Act, once California sets its own vehicle standards, other states can adopt them as well. In July 2021, Minnesota announced it would implement California’s clean car and zero-emission vehicle standards for car model years 2025 onward once EPA restored California’s authority. Minnesota is the first Midwest state to do so and the 16th state overall, along with the District of Columbia.

“We are seeing the impacts of a changing climate on the Great Lakes and across the Midwest. It is imperative that we cut greenhouse gas pollution from cars and light trucks as we confront the climate crisis. The EPA’s action recognizes the important role of states under the Clean Air Act to lead the way. ELPC looks forward to working with Midwest states like Minnesota that are taking the lead on tackling the climate crisis by requiring cleaner and zero emission cars.”

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