Press Release

September 18, 2019

Trump Administration Move Invalidating California’s Waiver Undermines States’ Efforts to Reduce Climate Changing Pollutants

The Trump Administration Move Invalidating California’s Waiver to Set its Own Tailpipe Pollution Rules Undermines States’ Efforts to Reduce Climate Changing Pollutants. This action puts a roadblock in the way of Midwest states that want to join the effort to lead on slashing carbon emissions from new vehicles.

STATEMENT BY HOWARD A. LEARNER
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ENVIRONMENTAL LAW & POLICY CENTER

CHICAGO — The Trump Administration is poised to issue a final rule revoking California’s waiver under the Clean Air Act to implement standards to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from tailpipes and to preempt states’ leadership in advancing climate change solutions. This is a precursor to fully rolling back Obama-era strong clean car standards set in 2012.

“The Trump Administration’s misguided action today continues its war against sensible actions under the Clean Air Act to protect our climate and public health,” said Howard Learner, Executive Director of the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

“Climate change harms the Great Lakes and people in our region. The Trump Administration is undercutting California’s and other states’ long-standing authority under the Clean Air Act to implement effective standards to reduce greenhouse gas pollution from tailpipes in order to protect clean air and our public health.

“ELPC and other parties will challenge in court this legally misguided Trump Administration rollback of environmental protection standards.”

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