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SEEC Co-Chairs Respond to Trump Administration Effort to Roll Back Fuel Efficiency Standards

March 15, 2017

Today, the Trump Administration announced it would reopen a review of vehicle fuel efficiency standards, which were finalized under the Obama Administration. These standards encourage cleaner cars and technological innovation, ensuring that U.S. auto manufacturers remain competitive, while also limiting carbon emissions, reducing other harmful air pollution, and saving consumers money at the gas pump. Based on the Trump Administration's environmental record so far this should be considered the first step in attempting to weaken these cleaner car standards. SEEC Co-Chairs released the following statements:

SEEC Co-Chair Congressman Paul Tonko: "The Trump Administration’s plan to roll back fuel efficiency standards puts corporate and special interests ahead of the needs of America’s families and our environment. These proven standards will save consumers an estimated $1.7 trillion at the pump from vehicles produced between 2011 and 2025 and help U.S. automakers continue to develop cutting edge technologies. Instead of saving drivers money and making real progress in reducing carbon pollution, this move will cause pain at the pump and abandon America’s global leadership on climate change. I strongly oppose this rollback of common sense and achievable environmental and consumer protections."

SEEC Co-Chair Congresswoman Doris Matsui: "This first step in rolling back fuel efficiency standards is dangerous to public health. These standards are saving consumers money at the pump, while reducing carbon pollution and making our air cleaner to breathe. California has the unique ability to set more stringent standards and has been a leader when it comes to promoting fuel efficiency. We will remain steadfast in our work to protect consumers and promote innovation in the automotive sector."

SEEC Co-Chair Congressman Gerry Connolly: "As the former Chairman of Fairfax County, I worked with leaders in the national capital region to reduce our carbon footprint, especially car pollution. We made investments in telework and transitioned our County vehicles to hybrids, and today, our air quality is improving. But there is still more work to be done. Rolling back these attainable vehicle efficiency standards would seriously jeopardize that progress and take us in the wrong direction.”