CA Leads Coalition Suing EPA for Clean Car Rollback

California May 1 challenged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s effort to knock out the state’s tighter automotive emission standards set for the 2022-2025 model years. Joining California were 16 other states and the District of Columbia.

“We’re not looking to pick a fight with the Trump Administration, but when the stakes are this high for our families’ health and our economic prosperity, we have a responsibility to do what is necessary to defend them,” said Attorney General Xavier Becerra.

Becerra and Gov. Jerry Brown filed the suit in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit. They challenge EPA’s notice in the Federal Register stating the agency was moving to revoke standards aimed at curbing emissions set for cars and light-duty trucks from 2022-25.

The April 13 notice asserts that EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt believes the current greenhouse emission regulation for model years 2022-25 “presents challenges for auto manufacturers due to feasibility and practicability, raises potential concerns related to automobile safety, and results in significant additional costs on consumers, especially low-income consumers.”

Joining California’s lawsuit are the states of Oregon, Washington, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, Rhode Island and the District of Columbia. Together they represent more than 40 percent of the car market.

“This phalanx of states will defend the nation’s clean car standards to boost gas mileage and curb toxic air pollution,” Brown stated.

California claims EPA acted “arbitrarily and capriciously, failed to follow its own regulations, and violated the Clean Air Act.”

The coalition of states estimate successfully defending the upcoming vehicle emissions regulations would cut as much carbon as closing 134 coal power plants operating for a year and save drivers $1,650 per vehicle. — Elizabeth McCarthy

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CA Leads Coalition Suing EPA for Clean Car Rollback

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