Governors from 24 U.S. states are standing together and backing California officials who are asking the Trump administration to put the brakes on plans to weaken the federal clean car rules.
“Strong vehicle standards protect our communities from unnecessary air pollution and fuel costs, and they address the largest source of carbon pollution in the United States. We must unite to ensure a strong, science-based national standard, in California and across the country, that increases year over year,” the governors wrote.
The state of California wants the federal government to step in and implement consistent automobile emissions rules throughout the county as well as require annual efficiency improvements.
More specifically, the state does not want Trump to be lax on vehicle mileage standards. The Trump administration believes U.S. consumers want bigger, gas-guzzling SUVs and pickup trucks. They also assume that demanding consumers purchase a more fuel-efficient and energy-efficient vehicle will only drive up automobile costs and keep older cars on the road longer, even though many engineers have challenged that claim.
President Trump urged automakers to support him in relaxing this mileage standard, but luckily a majority of them requested the administration reconsider his plan as it threatens to hurt their profits and would make an unstable market since 14 states plan to keep the stricter standards in place despite Trump’s decision.
“We will not compromise on our responsibility to protect the health of our communities, our climate, and the savings consumers stand to gain at the pump. We will continue to pursue additional concrete actions to fulfill this duty and defend against any threats,” says the governor’s pledge.
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