Attacks on Clean Cars Law Rejected by the Virginia Senate

RICHMOND, VA  — Today the Virginia Senate defeated the last of eight bills aimed at repealing the Clean Cars Virginia program. The program set standards for vehicle manufacturers to deliver cars that emit less carbon pollution and smog-forming pollutants; and requires a gradually-rising number of zero-emission electric vehicles be sent to Virginia.

The following is a reaction from Walton Shepherd, Virginia Policy Director at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“Virginia’s Clean Cars law — because it guarantees that Virginians can access zero-emission electric cars in the state — safeguards public health, protects the communities most-impacted by vehicle pollution, and tackles climate change. And yet, Governor Youngkin has attacked the law — no matter what harm that causes to ordinary Virginians.

“Thankfully, the Senate did not let the baseless attacks against the Clean Cars law stand, and the last bill died today. The Clean Cars law was enacted by Virginians, for Virginians. It’s common sense: our Clean Cars law ensures all Virginians have cleaner air and stronger pocketbooks.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Since 1970, our lawyers, scientists, and other environmental specialists have worked to protect the world's natural resources, public health, and the environment. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, and Beijing. Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.