Nissa Koerner, nissa.koerner@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Donald Trump is expected to announce that he is disregarding the Clean Air Act to allow the year-round sale of 15-percent ethanol blends in gasoline. This comes just before Trump leaves for a day-long campaign event in Iowa, and after Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley pushed through Trump’s Supreme Court nominee.
The Clean Air Act prevents the sale of ethanol blends above 10-percent in the summer months in certain areas due to the air pollution caused by its use. According to experts, permitting the proportion of ethanol in gasoline year-round will likely lead to increased ozone pollution, causing more smog in our communities. Ground-level ozone impairs lung functioning and contributes to increased incidences of asthma and other lung diseases, especially among children and the elderly. Additionally, the increasing industrial production of biofuels from foodstock is destroying local land and water resources.
In response, Sierra Club Clean Transportation For All Deputy Advocacy Director Andrew Linhardt released the following statement:
“Donald Trump is once again ignoring Americans’ health and safety. Despite claims, corn ethanol is not a safe and environmentally-friendly fuel source -- it is hugely detrimental to the environment and public health. Instead of doubling down on ethanol, Trump and the EPA should focus their efforts on real solutions like investing in electric vehicles and zero emission buses.”
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.