Larisa Manescu, larisa.manescu@sierraclub.org
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, more than two dozen environment, health, and consumer advocacy organizations sent a letter to Truck and Engine Manufacturer Association (EMA) member companies asking them to leave the EMA, which is well-known for working to stall and weaken clean air safeguards across the country.
EMA member companies regularly tout their progress and support for zero-emission vehicles and a clean-air future but their trade association, EMA, has actively lobbied against clean truck rules in states across the country, as well as against strong federal EPA rules. Member companies like Volvo, Bluebird, Daimler, VW, and Hino continue to greenwash their work (or cheat on emissions standards in the case of Hino) but have yet to denounce EMA's actions to block progress on cleaner trucks.
Ford recently left EMA, signaling its rejection of the trade association’s lobbying. Although Honda, General Motors and engine maker Cummins opposed the EMA lawsuit against California, they remain members of the trade association.
“Companies that are still represented by the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association should follow Ford’s lead and reject EMA’s playbook for blocking climate and health standards,” said Katherine García, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All program. “States across the country are adopting life-saving standards to clean up trucks which spew pollution in communities and contribute to the climate crisis. These manufacturers claim they support electric trucks, but their continued allegiance to the EMA proves otherwise – it’s time to ditch EMA.”
Tailpipe pollution increases asthma rates, raises cancer risks, and causes tens of thousands of premature deaths nationwide each year. Strong federal and state standards to urgently get electric trucks and cleaner combustion trucks on our roads will save lives.
About the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club is America’s largest and most influential grassroots environmental organization, with millions of members and supporters. In addition to protecting every person's right to get outdoors and access the healing power of nature, 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.