Lauren Lantry (202) 548-6599 lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Senator Blunt introduced a bill that will weaken vehicle fuel economy safeguards. The bill is another attempt by automakers to roll back the consumer and climate protections they agreed to under the Obama administration. Earlier this year, automakers sent Donald Trump and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt letters as well as met with Pruitt and Transportation Secretary Chao urging the weakening of these standards.
In response, Sierra Club Associate Director for Federal Advocacy Andrew Linhardt released the following statement:
"Make no mistake, this is yet another attempt by automakers to change the rules of the road by rolling back the consumer and climate protections Americans -- and not too long ago, the auto industry -- overwhelmingly support. This bill enables automakers and corporate polluters to continue to dangerously weave around consumer and climate protections, undermining fuel efficiency standards for corporate gain at the expense of the American people. Americans want cleaner, more efficient cars, not more air pollution and increased costs at the pump. These rules are driving technological innovation, cutting pollution, saving families money, and reducing America’s reliance on oil.
"Congress should be placing the health and well-being of American families first; not creating new loopholes that weaken public health protections and harming consumers.”
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About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 2.7 million members and supporters. In addition to helping people from all backgrounds explore nature and our outdoor heritage, 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.