American Lung Association Supports Proposal to Set Stronger Fuel Efficiency Standards for Cars; Urges Strengthening

In response to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) proposing rules to update the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for vehicles starting in model year 2027. Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued the following statement:

“Today’s proposal is another important step towards reducing carbon pollution and curbing climate change. These proposed standards would set stronger fuel efficiency requirements for future cars, SUVs, pickup trucks and work vans. NHTSA’s proposal, which would work in tandem with EPA’s rules to ensure that new cars are less polluting and more fuel-efficient, is very important for lung health.

“The Lung Association’s recent report, ‘Driving to Clean Air,’ found that a nationwide transition to zero-emission passenger vehicles, powered by non-combustion renewable electricity, could result in nearly 90,000 avoided deaths and $978 billion in public health benefits over the next 30 years.

“The Lung Association and other leading health and medical organizations have called on EPA to make their emissions requirements as strong as possible for cars starting in model year 2027. We urge NHTSA to strengthen the final rule to maximize the benefits. We call on both NHTSA and EPA to finalize their rules quickly to help drive the nation toward a zero-emission future.”