Trump EPA Proposal Appears to Attack Endangerment Finding, Limits on Pollution from Cars and Trucks

“Today, the Trump administration posted a draft EPA proposal for White House review that, though its details are unclear, appears designed to weaken the federal government’s ability to regulate sources of the pollution driving climate change. This includes a reconsideration of the widely accepted scientific finding that climate-altering pollution endangers people’s health and safety, as well as a reconsideration of commonsense limits on this harmful pollution from new cars and trucks, the largest source of climate pollution in the U.S.  

“This proposal appears to be an attempt to leave EPA powerless to limit the pollution that’s increasing and intensifying deadly and costly weather like heat waves, drought, floods and storms. Reducing climate pollution will lead to cleaner air, healthier lives and stronger communities. Attacking the endangerment finding and commonsense limits on vehicle pollution will do the opposite, making American life more expensive and even more dangerous.

“Transportation is the largest source of climate pollution in the U.S., and these sensible limits on pollution from new cars and trucks, under threat by the administration, are moving us toward a cleaner future. The U.S. can’t turn back now because these standards are encouraging many more affordable consumer options and supporting domestic manufacturing jobs while saving lives and protecting children’s lungs from smog and soot.  

“Environmental Defense Fund will vigorously protect pollution limits that ensure cleaner air and healthier lives – as U.S. clean air laws have long guaranteed for all people.” 

            - Vickie Patton, General Counsel, Environmental Defense Fund