Environmental Issues Working Group and Natural Resources Council of Maine C2A
THE BASICS
The Trump Administration has taken the first step toward weakening fuel efficiency standards designed to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions, which have been linked to climate change. Submit a public comment to the EPA by October 5 in support of existing clean car standards.
THE ISSUE
Studies have found that human activities are the primary driver of the increase in greenhouse gases, and one of the biggest culprits is transportation. The burning of fossil fuel to power cars, trucks, trains, ships and planes accounts for 27% of total greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. In 2012, the nation took a big step toward reducing those emissions by raising fuel efficiency standards for new passenger vehicles built between 2017 and 2025. The EPA estimated the standards–which would require automakers to produce fleets by 2025 that average 35.5 miles per gallon–would nearly double fuel efficiency, save American families $1.7 trillion dollars in fuel costs, resulting in an average fuel savings of more than $8,000 by 2025 over the lifetime of the vehicle. The standards were met with widespread support by Maine auto businesses, environmental groups and policymakers. Less than a year ago, government agencies thoroughly reviewed these standards and decided to leave them unchanged through 2025.
But earlier this year, at the request of automakers, the Trump Administration announced it will reopen this review, creating an opportunity for the administration to weaken or even repeal these standards. In March, the Maine Attorney General’s office announced it would join with California to oppose any effort to roll back vehicle emissions. They have since been joined by 13 other states. And a Gallup poll in April found that nearly 80% of Americans–including 73% of Republicans--support the stronger fuel efficiency standards.
The administration must clear a number of hurdles before they can make any changes, the first of which is a public comment period, which is open now through Oct. 5.
ACTION
- Submit a comment to the EPA opposing weakening or repealing our Clean Car Standards
- Submit a comment through this NRCM form
- Submit a comment via EDF’s form
- Or, submit a comment directly through regulations.gov
- Find tips on how to write an effective comment here.\
- Submit a letter to the editor to your local paper in support of clean car standards
- Contact kjackson@nrcm.org for sample letters on clean car standards or with help drafting a letter.
- Suit Up Maine has a Letters to the Editor project that can help you draft and submit a letter. Email lteproject17@gmail.com.
- Read Indivisible’s guide on writing effective letters to the editor.
