Lung Association Applauds EPA’s Final Rule Limiting Greenhouse Gas Pollution from Cars

In response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) releasing the final rule strengthening limits on greenhouse gas emissions for light-duty vehicles for model years 2023-2026, American Lung Association National President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer issued the following statement:

“Climate change impacts the health of every American – now and for every future generation. These greenhouse gas standards are a critical steppingstone to climate and clean air benefits that are desperately needed in communities throughout the United States.

“There is no time to lose in the race to prevent the worst impacts of climate change, and transitioning to zero-emission transportation is one of the best tools available. Today’s action is an important step forward that will reduce greenhouse gases and air pollution and improve lung health.

“The final rule provides greater emissions reductions than the agency’s initial proposal. We are pleased the EPA listened to the comments of health and medical groups that called for more protective standards.

“Now that EPA has finalized these cleaner cars standards, the agency must work urgently to propose and finalize stronger greenhouse gas standards for future cars and stronger emissions standards for trucks.

“A nationwide transition to zero-emission cars and trucks is reasonable, achievable and popular. Earlier this year, the American Lung Association released a poll showing that 74% of voters supported the federal government setting stronger standards on tailpipe emissions from passenger cars and trucks, with the amount of emissions allowed declining over time. Americans want cleaner cars.

“Leaders must take action at every level to address climate change and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in order to protect health and save lives – and that includes cleaning up transportation pollution using the strongest possible standards. The Lung Association applauds EPA for finalizing today’s needed standards. Moving forward, we urge the agency to set additional standards for cars and trucks that drive the transition to zero-emission vehicles as quickly as possible, in order to secure a pollution-free future.”