EPA Moves to Cut Harmful Tailpipe Pollution
WASHINGTON – The Environmental Protection Agency proposed new tailpipe emission standards for cars and trucks today that will help address the largest source of carbon pollution.
The standards build on state action as well as incentives for clean cars and trucks in last year’s Inflation Reduction Act, which has been followed by the announcement of more than $50 billion in electric vehicle-related manufacturing investments in the U.S.
“These EPA standards are a key piece of the puzzle to curb our country’s single largest source of carbon pollution and provide cleaner air and a safer climate for all,” said Manish Bapna, president and CEO of NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Done right, these will put the U.S. on the road to end pollution from vehicle tailpipes – while also slashing our dependence on oil, creating good domestic jobs, and saving consumers money on fuel.”
“This action builds upon the Biden administration’s bold commitment to deliver clean air and a safer climate for everyone,” Bapna said.
“Last year’s clean energy law, rising consumer demand, and industry commitments have put us on the path to transition to clean cars and trucks,” he said. “Now we need strong standards to finish the job.”
The new rule for cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks, once finalized, could cut carbon emissions from tailpipes by more than 60% by 2032 compared to 2026, a necessary step for meeting climate goals.
“These car standards can help deliver the transition to clean vehicles that the industry has already promised us,” said Britt Carmon, senior federal clean vehicles advocate at NRDC. “EPA should adopt the strongest feasible standards so that we can ensure the clean vehicles of the future get on the road as quickly as possible.”
The proposed rules for commercial trucks, however, fall short of what’s needed.
“For the millions of Americans forced to breathe dirty air because of tailpipe pollution, these proposed truck standards are a disappointment,” said Patricio Portillo, clean trucks advocate at NRDC. “We need strong national standards to ensure truck makers deliver the vehicles that will protect communities and the planet.”
For more on the car and light-duty standards, please see this blog. For more on the truck standards, see this blog.
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.