Press Release
September 18, 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2019
Contact:
Erin Ivie, Full Court Press Communications
510-550-8172 / [email protected]
OAKLAND, CA — The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) issued a statement Wednesday to express outrage at President Trump’s plans to revoke California’s ability to set its own fuel efficiency standards with automakers. Thirteen states and Washington, D.C. voluntarily follow California’s standard in an effort to combat climate change and improve air quality.
The special waiver dates back to the 1960s, prior to the passage of the 1970 Clean Air Act, when California opted to act unilaterally to tackle its air quality crisis. Not wanting separate fuel economy and emissions standards in every state, the EPA granted California the waiver, as long as they were more stringent than federal standards.
The move will likely be tied up in courts for years to come, while California has already worked with automakers to circumvent Trump’s regressive policy by agreeing to voluntary fuel efficiency standards. Ford, Honda, Volkswagen, and BMW have signed on so far to voluntarily abide by California standards.
The following is a statement from Mary Creasman, CEO of the California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV):
“Trump is taking revenge on California for having the audacity to stand up to him. Well, Mr. Trump, we are the resistance and we’re not going anywhere.
Given all of the President’s rhetoric around big government, it’s very hypocritical to take away the rights of states to govern themselves. These forward-looking policies have not only helped protect and prepare for the upcoming climate crisis, but also created economic growth and innovation.
We are grateful to hear that our Attorney General will be taking on this fight for Californians. We are standing with him and working hard to ensure 2020 will be a year of accountability for this president.”
ABOUT CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL VOTERS
California Environmental Voters (formerly the California League of Conservation Voters) believes the climate crisis is here and this moment requires transformative change. California has the policy solutions to stop climate change but lacks the political will to do it at the rate and scale that’s necessary. EnviroVoters exists to build the political power to solve the climate crisis, advance justice, and create a roadmap for global action. We organize voters, elect and train candidates, and hold lawmakers accountable for bold policy change. We won’t stop until we have resilient, healthy, thriving communities, and a democracy and economy that is just and sustainable for all. Join us at www.envirovoters.org and on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. See more press releases.
