May 14, 2026
In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Revision of Tier 4 Phase-in Schedule for Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, which would increase the amount of air pollution created by cars in the U.S., the Environmental Law & Policy Center released the following statement:
Susan Mudd, ELPC Senior Policy Advocate, said:
“The EPA’s proposed revision to the Tier 4 phase-in schedule for light-duty and medium-duty vehicles is a step backward for public health, clean air, and common-sense policymaking. Sadly, and increasingly predictably with the Trump EPA, the agency has lost sight of its reason for existence, that of protecting Americans’ health. Rather, EPA should focus on protecting Americans’ freedom to breathe clean air.
“Communities throughout the Chicago metro area – and cities and regions across the Midwest – are already burdened with unhealthy air. As American Lung Association’s State of the Air 2026 report documented, the Chicago, southeast and eastern Wisconsin and St Louis areas have among the top 25 most unhealthy days due to ozone pollution, Detroit and Indianapolis areas have top 25 most days of unhealthy air due to small particle pollution, and Indianapolis, Cleveland-Akron, Chicago, Cincinnati, Kalamazoo all rank in the top 25 for year-round particle pollution.
“Vehicle emissions are a major contributor to fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and smog-forming pollution that harm our lungs and hearts. As ELPC’s Air Quality Monitoring in Chicago report highlights, PM2.5 pollution is directly linked to serious health problems, including asthma attacks, cardiovascular disease, and premature death.
“This rollback comes at exactly the wrong time. As we head into summer, smog alerts become more frequent, limiting our ability to safely work, exercise, or spend time outdoors. Instead of strengthening safeguards, the EPA is delaying standards that would cut harmful tailpipe pollution and improve air quality when communities need relief the most.
“Delaying these standards makes no sense. It will mean more pollution, more missed days of school and work, and more preventable illnesses across the Midwest.
“We urge the EPA to reverse course and instead move forward with strong, timely vehicle emission standards that protect public health, clean up our air, and ensure healthier futures for our residents.”