EPA Seeks to Undermine Nation’s Clean Air, Allowing Automakers to Sell Polluting Cars
Testimony of Will Anderson against EPA's proposed delay and weakening of Light and Medium Duty Vehicle Criteria Pollutant Standards
Good afternoon,
My name is Will Anderson, and I am here today representing Public Citizen. I became a clean transportation advocate because having grown up in Atlanta with its infamous traffic and the resulting poor air quality, I know firsthand how we must shape helpful public policy rather than having harmful policies shape us. During this comment period, we will hear days of compelling and thorough testimony from people from all walks of life detailing why it’s unconscionable to delay and weaken these Light and Medium Duty Criteria Pollutant standards and why we urgently need to accelerate our transition to 100% zero-emission vehicles.
Tailpipe emissions are a major source of nitrogen oxides, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. Evidence has shown that these criteria pollutants are linked to catastrophic health consequences whose costs both in lives, quality of life and financial are immense. Communities who live next to highways and roads, particularly the children and the elderly who live there, disproportionately suffer from these health issues. I grew up on the southside of Atlanta between Interstates 75 and 85 as well as in the shadow of the world’s busiest airport and its freight cargo facilities. The health-harming chemicals in tailpipe pollution are medically known to worsen and contribute to the development of cancer, COPD, asthma, respiratory disease, high blood pressure, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack, among other illnesses. My elderly mother has asthma that likely is the result of decades of air pollution exposure. I have high blood pressure that I manage through a healthy diet, exercise and medication.
Smog and soot air pollution caused by vehicle emissions are among the greatest threats to public health for the more than 72 million who live near major trucking routes. Families in these communities like mine on Atlanta’s southside and throughout the country have suffered for far too long and cannot wait for clean air.
Additionally, beyond health implications, the economic impact of delay or rolling back vehicle regulations is detrimental for American competitiveness in the global auto manufacturing market. Maintaining strong standards provides the market certainty needed to support long-term investment in American manufacturing, supply chains, batteries, charging, and advanced vehicle technology. Any weakening of standards would make our domestic automakers less competitive globally at the exact moment when other markets are moving more aggressively toward electric vehicles, and while gas prices are near or at all time highs.
The vehicle emissions standards are technologically achievable, economically beneficial, rooted in science, and essential for protecting American health, jobs, and energy independence. In the face of rising healthcare costs, as well as at the risk of falling behind further in the global market, it would be a travesty if EPA failed to hear the public outcry and to meet this moment. The EPA must not delay nor weaken these standards. Thank you.