Alliance for Automotive Innovation: Support a Strong Final Environmental Protection Agency Clean Cars Rule

February 15, 2024 

To: Members of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation

Subject: Urging the Alliance for Automotive Innovation to publicly support a strong final Environmental Protection Agency Rule 

We, the undersigned organizations representing millions of people in America and across the world, write to urge the members of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (AAI) to publicly support a strong final EPA rule on multi-pollutant emissions standards for light and medium-duty vehicles. 

Many of your companies have advertised your commitments to electrification, but the AAI and by extension, its member companies, are engaging in obstructive anti-climate lobbying efforts that undermine the critically-needed zero-emission vehicle transition. Your company must show it stands by its electrification promises by publicly supporting a strong final EPA rule.

The United States is the world’s second largest country emitter, and transportation is the largest portion (29%) of total US greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore the AAI’s efforts to slow down climate action in this crucial sector has global consequences for the safety of our climate.

Consumer demand for electric vehicles (EVs) is indisputably at an all-time high. Forty percent of Americans are ready to go electric, and United States EV sales continue to grow—Americans are estimated to have bought a record 1.2 million electric vehicles in 2023, making up 7.6 percent of all new car sales, which is up from 5.9% in 2022. International sales mirror these trends: the global EV market for fully electric and plug-in hybrids grew over 30% in 2023. Yet AAI is lobbying against regulations in the U.S. that would further speed up the EV transition and reduce emissions, protecting the health of our communities.

Over 137 million people in America are living with harmful levels of air pollution. Instead of organizing the field to innovate to meet proposed standards, the AAI has lobbied to weaken and delay the EPA’s proposed light and medium-duty emissions regulations that will improve health and quality of life for millions of people. The AAI's position should reflect your companies' stated commitments to EVs. 

We need strong clean car standards to deliver vital relief that the most highly impacted communities demand and deserve. AAI’s efforts to fight these life-saving regulations are a direct attack on these communities’ right to a clean air future. Time is running out; by staying silent, you risk harming your brands' legacies by enabling ongoing harm to present and future generations.

Your company must publicly express clear, unequivocal support of the clean cars standards and stop blocking progress on EVs. Our international coalition is watching closely and looks forward to your response. 

Sincerely, 

AFGE Local 704
Alliance of Nurses for Healthy Environments
Asociación de Vehículos Eléctricos de Chile
Center for Biological Diversity
Coltura
Centre for Citizens Conserving Environment & Management (CECIC)
Cool Down Sport For Climate Action Network
Ekō
Elders Climate Action
Electric Vehicle Association
Evergreen Action
GreenLatinos
Greenpeace East Asia
Interfaith Power & Light
League of Conservation Voters
Project Green Home
Public Citizen
Respire 
Sierra Club
Solarize Albany
The Sunrise Project
Transport & Environment 
Zero Emisión RD