Lauren Lantry, lauren.lantry@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, 17 Massachusetts mayors sent a letter to Senator Warren and Senator Markey urging their support for strong federal vehicle fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards.
“The federal vehicle fuel efficiency and Zero Emission Vehicle standards encourage automakers to innovate in ways that improve air quality, protect health, create jobs, and stimulate the economy. Massachusetts municipalities must stand with our Senators to defend these important standards for the future of all our citizens.” - Mayor David J. Narkewicz, Northampton.
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 ability of states, such as Massachusetts, to adhere to California’s stronger GHG regulations.
"With automobile use and traffic congestion contributing so significantly to greenhouse gas emissions in this region, urban areas focused on sustainability and climate change need strong partnerships with the federal government to promote cleaner standards for transportation," said Mayor Carlo DeMaria of Everett.
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 Paul Heroux, Attleboro; Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan, Braintree; Mayor Marc McGovern, Cambridge; Mayor Nicole LaChapelle, Easthampton; Mayor Carlo DeMaria, Everett; Mayor Jasiel F. Correia II, Fall River; Mayor Alex B. Morse, Holyoke; Mayor Thomas M. McGee, Lynn; Mayor Ruthanne Fuller, Newton; Mayor Thomas W. Bernard, North Adams; Mayor David J. Narkewicz, Northampton; Mayor Gary Christenson, Malden; Mayor Stephanie Burke, Medford; Mayor Linda Tyer, Pittsfield; Mayor Kimberley Driscoll, Salem; Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone Somerville; and Mayor Joseph M. Petty, Worcester.
About the Sierra Club
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.