Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, nine Connecticut mayors sent a letter to Senator Blumenthal and Senator Murphy urging their support for strong federal vehicle fuel efficiency (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) standards.
"Sustainability of our planet depends upon our commitment for reducing pollution. This work has to start with individuals, communities, towns and states." – Dr. Saud Anwar, Mayor of South Windsor.
The Trump administration is currently working with automakers to try to significantly weaken the federal clean vehicle standards (light duty vehicles standards for CAFE and GHG) that were agreed important ways to slash carbon emissions and dangerous air pollution that threatens our public health. There is also a possibility that as a part of this effort, the Trump administration may try to undo the legal ability of states, such as Connecticut, to adhere to California’s stronger GHG regulations.
“One of the most important ways we can clean our air and reduce climate change is to ensure fuel efficiency standards. The City of Middletown will stand with our neighbors and partners in fighting for cleaner vehicles, and thus a cleaner environment.” – Mayor Dan Drew, Middletown.
By 2025, vehicle efficiency and clean car standards are expected to: nearly double vehicle efficiency; save 6 billion metric tons of dangerous climate pollution; save individual consumers $1,460 to $1,620 in fuel costs; and keep 12 billion barrels of oil in the ground.
The signers of the letter include Mayor Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Bristol; Mayor Richard Dziekan, Derby; Mayor Luke Bronin, Hartford; Mayor Daniel Drew, Middletown; Mayor Benjamin Blake, Milford; Mayor Erin Stewart, New Britain; Mayor Harry W. Rilling, Norwalk; Mayor Saud Anwar, South Windsor; Mayor Shari G. Cantor, West Hartford; and Mayor Curt Balzano Leng, Hamden.
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The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with more than 3 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.