Statement by Therese Langer, ACEEE Transportation Program director regarding EPA and good ol Scott Pruitt. I like to call him stupid Pruitt. Anyway here’s the statement!
US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) administrator Scott Pruitt is expected to throw automotive progress in reverse. First off, by declaring that light-duty vehicle standards for model years 2022-2025 are no longer appropriate. Not smart. And you know?! That’s just not cool.
Such a determination would be in direct conflict with the agency’s missio SCoooot! You know, to protect human health and the environment!! So therefore and with the administration’s promises of economic prosperity and a resurgence in domestic manufacturing. The agency has offered no new evidence that would support a decision to jettison years of rigorous and comprehensive analysis. Evidence that has repeatedly demonstrated the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of the standards. Therefore, EPA’s action would pave the way for a regulatory rollback in the coming months.
Putting the brakes on these standards would be a costly mistake. Yes folks, with long-lasting economic and environmental impacts. In giving their tacit support to the move, domestic automakers could ultimately undermine their own competitiveness globally. All the while facing similar or more stringent standards in major markets around the world. If US manufacturers lag in developing the fuel-saving technologies that global markets demand, it could adversely affect our exports. That could also provide an opening for additional imports of more fuel-efficient vehicles the next time fuel prices spike.
ACEEE estimates that by 2035, the standards would save more than 10.4 billion gallons of gasoline annually. Even with today’s relatively low gas price projections, the owner of an average 2025 vehicle would save more than $1,000 dollars over the vehicle’s lifetime. That’s just due to fuel savings! As we know, far exceeds the upfront cost of making the vehicle more efficient. These are on top of the major savings accruing from the program already. Savings today come under standards in place through model year 2021.
The nation would be best served by steady advances in vehicle efficiency. Oh and let’s not forget emissions standards!! These are things that save Americans money at the pump. They also reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions, and keep our auto industry relevant both here and abroad.
To read the statement online, visit: http://www2.aceee.org/e/310911/3-aceee-denounces-imminent-epa/24qw4p/127570406
In conclusion, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy acts as a catalyst to advance energy efficiency. Finally, they do this through policies, programs, technologies, investments, and behaviors.
