Hampton Roads elected officials joined community leaders in condemning Acting EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and Acting NHTSA Administrator Heidi King’s proposed plan to roll back the popular and successful clean car standards. Speakers shared how tearing down these standards will allow automakers to make dirtier cars that pollute the air and endanger the health of Virginians.
Speakers also highlighted the current standards could save Virginia families an average of $2,900 at the gas pump over the life of their vehicle. In addition, Virginia could expect 13,700 new jobs by 2030 if these standards remain unchanged.
“Virginia is uniquely vulnerable to the threat of climate change and air pollution, particularly in Hampton Roads where streets are frequently closed by nuisance flooding and the world’s largest naval base is threatened by sea level rise. We also recognize the huge health, economic, and environmental benefits of clean air, especially for our kids. We’ve made too much progress as a country and a Commonwealth to let President Trump roll back the clock and undo all our progress just to boost the bottom line of oil and gas companies,” said Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring.
“We want to be sure to protect our local family budgets, as well as those families visiting Virginia Beach this summer, from the gas price rollercoaster. America’s clean car standards protect family budgets from the gas price increases, especially protecting households with the lowest incomes. Additionally, clean car standards help ensure that cars, pickup trucks, and SUVs are more fuel-efficient, saving drivers money on every trip to the gas station,” stated Virginia Beach City Councilman Ben Davenport.
“As a local pediatrician, I know that the health of American families is paramount to our future,” Dr. Richard Hatch expressed. “Current federal fuel efficiency standards not only put more money in our families’ pockets, but more importantly have the added benefit of reducing pollution that affects all Americans’ health, especially the most vulnerable among us. 25 million Americans, including more than 6 million children, suffer from asthma. We cannot roll back the clean car standards that protect them.”
“As a single mother, gas is a big part of my family’s budget. By rolling back the clean car standards, this administration will force families like mine to spend more at the pump at a time when gas prices are already soaring,” said BeKura Shabazz. “We must put American families – and the health of our children – first, and that starts by keeping the successful and money-saving clean car standards in place.”
Speakers concluded by calling on the administration to maintain the clean car standards, which are the most effective policy we have on the books to reduce carbon pollution from vehicles and fight climate change.
Post conference interview with Norfolk City Councilwoman, Andria McClellan can be viewed here.
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