Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - A broad coalition today urged Congress to reject four Congressional Review Act resolutions that would overturn long-standing Clean Air Act preemption waivers relied upon by states to protect public health and air quality.
The waivers cover established standards for passenger cars, light-duty and medium-duty vehicles, and small off-road engines. The coalition emphasizes that these standards are already in effect and manufacturers have been complying with key requirements for years.
“Vehicles and off-road engines currently in use already meet the standards that Congress is attacking – and these standards mean that our cars, trucks and off-road engines cost less at the gas pump and that our air is cleaner. There’s nothing to fix,” the letter states.
At a time when families are facing high costs and millions of Americans live in communities with unhealthy levels of ozone or particulate pollution, the organizations argue that Congress should preserve, not dismantle, proven clean-air protections.
The organizations call on members of Congress to vote NO on H.J.Res 202 / S.J.Res.206, H.J.Res 205 / S.J.Res.207, H.J.Res.211 / S.J.Res.208, H.J Res 214 / S.J.Res.205.
“These improper CRA resolutions threaten the ability of states to take action to protect their residents from harmful air pollution and its negative public health impacts,” the letter states.
The full letter is signed by 95 health, business, environmental, consumer advocate, local governments, and science organizations.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, the Sierra Club works to promote clean energy, safeguard the health of our communities, protect wildlife, and preserve our remaining wild places through grassroots activism, public education, lobbying, and legal action. For more information, visit www.sierraclub.org.