American Lung Association Responds to House Vote Attacking Clean Air Programs

Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass Congressional Review Act Resolutions of Disapproval that seek to block U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers for cleaner cars and cleaner trucks standards. The House passed two resolutions today and will vote on a third tomorrow. These waivers would have allowed three key programs to protect public health from pollution from vehicles to move forward, in California and in other states. American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement in response:

“Today, the House voted twice to block measures that reduce air pollution, and protect the health of families, and especially children, from dirty cars and trucks, with another vote expected tomorrow. These votes put important clean air protections at risk. 

“The three clean air programs – Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Omnibus – are rules that clean up pollution from vehicles. The rules are already in effect in California, have been adopted in additional states, and approved by EPA. Voting to overturn that approval means voting to take away these important protections from air pollution. 

“What’s more, the vote improperly used the Congressional Review Act, which doesn’t apply to the EPA waiver approvals. This sets a dangerous precedent.

“While today’s House votes were profoundly disappointing, we now look to the Senate to stand strong for clean air, healthy families and kids’ health. We call on all senators to vote no on any measures that would overturn clean vehicles standards.”