Quote Sheet from DC Auto Show Press Conference
Washington, D.C – On January 19, 2023, Public Citizen, Industrious Labs, Interfaith Power & Light, and Sierra Club held a press conference in front of the D.C. Convention Center, home of the D.C. auto show. Below are selected quotes from the event:
- “When you walk around the DC Auto Show it will be clear that electric vehicles are not only the future, but the present. The next big opportunity for US automakers is to look at the emissions from the materials used to make their vehicles, like steel,” said Hilary Lewis, Steel Director at Industrious Labs. “In an electric car, the nearly one tonne of steel is a significant source of climate pollution. US automakers need to start working with steel companies today to procure green steel, and other materials, to put cleaner cars on the streets.”
- Rev. Susan Hendershot, president of Interfaith Power & Light: “The transportation sector is the single largest U.S. source of greenhouse gas emissions, and right now, some automakers are prioritizing their profits from gas-guzzling, carbon-emitting trucks and SUVs over progress on electric vehicles and the protection of our planet. Automakers have a moral responsibility to prioritize the health of our families and communities and to start making accessible, affordable electric vehicles available to consumers. As people of faith and conscience, we are ready for bold, new transportation solutions, and clean EVs are an integral step towards addressing climate change for our communities, future generations, and our Sacred Earth.”
- “Automakers put on their best face at auto shows when it comes to electric vehicles, while the reality of their EV strategies is lackluster and nowhere near what is needed to act on climate,” said Katherine García, director of the Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All campaign. “Toyota, for example, continues to promote a false image of itself as a leader in sustainability– and yet the manufacturer is re-releasing the Prius and selling its gas-powered Tacomas and Tundras in droves. We need all automakers to stop producing fossil fuel vehicles and go all in on EVs to urgently protect our communities from climate and air pollution.”
- “Zero-emissions vehicles are the future of transportation. Despite over a decade of record-setting global temperatures, Toyota’s anti-climate lobbying underscores the company’s lack of commitment to the environment. While other manufacturers push forward on EVs, Toyota refuses to embrace a U.S. line-up of only zero-emission vehicles before the next decade. Toyota must stop stalling progress and commit to a pollution-free future.” – East Peterson-Trujillo, clean vehicles campaigner, Public Citizen