American Lung Association Expresses Disappointment about Virginia’s Retreat from Key Clean Air Standard 

In response to Governor Youngkin’s announcement today that Virginia will abandon the state’s zero-emission vehicle standard to reduce harmful pollutants, Aleks Casper, Director of Advocacy for Virginia for the American Lung Association, issued the following statement: 

“Today’s announcement by the Governor to block the implementation of this key clean air standard is deeply disappointing from a public health perspective,” Casper said. “Virginians deserve the strongest possible protections against traffic pollution that increases the risk of asthma attacks and premature death. The Virginia legislature voted to adopt these standards, and later attempts to overturn the Advanced Clean Cars Program failed to pass the General Assembly this year. The governor’s announcement today side-steps the legislature and its clear support.” 

“Blocking this critical public health program from moving forward is a grave disservice to all Virginians, especially the hundreds of thousands of Virginia children and adults living with asthma. Transitioning to zero-emission transportation and electricity would result in $29.7 billion in public health benefits, 2,700 avoided deaths, and 70,900 avoided asthma attacks in Virginia. The Lung Association calls on state leaders to ensure Virgina continues to participate in this key air quality program.” 

Traffic pollution contributes to ground-level ozone and particle pollution, which can worsen or cause premature death and other serious health effects such as asthma attacks, heart attacks, strokes, preterm births, and impaired cognitive functioning later in life. The American Lung Association’s “State of the Air” 2024 report found that over 1.3 million Virginians live with asthma or other respiratory illness, including 146,000 children living with pediatric asthma.