FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 12, 2023
Contact: Bill Bradlee, National Organizing Director, bill@interfaithpowerandlight.org, 415-506-8063
EPA’s New Vehicle Standards: A moral imperative for climate solutions; a moral opportunity for automakers
Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their proposed rules to reduce emissions from light– and heavy-duty vehicles for model years 2027 to 2032. The transportation sector is the largest contributor to climate pollution in the U.S., meaning that significant reductions in this sector are essential for the United States to address its international climate commitments. It is also a moral opportunity for automakers to become more environmentally responsible while creating jobs and building a competitive advantage in the industry.
The light duty standards, for passenger cars and trucks, would cut carbon emissions from tailpipes up to 69% compared to 2026. This standard, achievable through recent legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act, is a historic move to address climate change and public health. However, the proposed rule for heavy duty vehicles needs to be stronger, as heavy-duty vehicles represent a disproportionate amount of carbon pollution as compared to light-duty vehicles. In addition, HDV emissions disproportionately impact low-income communities and communities of color near major trucking corridors, ports, and distribution hubs.
Interfaith Power & Light President, Rev. Susan Hendershot, said “People of faith and conscience have been telling the Biden EPA that we want clean, affordable vehicles. Today, the EPA is showing that it’s listening to the people and to the needs of the Sacred Earth we all call home. Rapidly moving to cleaner vehicles is essential. We need to find a way to make this transition with justice and equity solidly in place. We look forward to supporting this life-affirming rule.”
Leah Wiste, Michigan Interfaith Power & Light Executive Director said, “Transportation pollution is a leading source of harm to our health and our climate, so the need for lawmakers and federal agencies to stand up to industry pressure couldn’t be more urgent. The strongest possible standards are essential to protect all that has breath! We pray that all automakers will take this opportunity to do the right thing and support the strongest possible cleaner car standards.”
Interfaith Power & Light urges the EPA to finalize the strongest possible clean vehicles safeguards without delay.
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Interfaith Power & Light is a national nonprofit that inspires and mobilizes people of faith and conscience to take bold and just action on climate change.
