EPA reversal on vehicle standards threatens the lung health of Americans

Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will reopen review of the greenhouse gas standards for motor vehicles currently in place for model years 2022 to 2025 and added the possibility of revisiting the 2021 standards as well. In response to this announcement, American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer issued the following statement:

"Today's unwarranted decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could weaken or delay critical protections against the health impacts of air pollution.

"EPA already completed an extensive public review of the new vehicle standards for 2022 through 2025, as well as for 2021. The agency determined in January that not only are the standards appropriate, but that automakers can also comply with them. We urge EPA to restore the January decision and move forward with these standards to protect the health of millions of Americans.

"Vehicles remain one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change, which is already harming the health of Americans. EPA's reversal means that critical standards to reduce these emissions could be weakened or delayed, placing public health at risk. 

"EPA should help protect public health and fight climate change by reducing carbon pollution and other harmful air pollutants. Cleaner, more efficient vehicles will help fight climate change and improve the health of all Americans, particularly the most vulnerable among us, such as older Americans, young children and people living with lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”