CAC: Senate Strips Clean Car Protections in Betrayal of Americans’ Lives
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 22, 2025
CONTACT: Gabrielle Levy, Glevy@cacampaign.org, 562-673-6974
CAC: Senate Strips Clean Car Protections in Betrayal of Americans’ Lives
Revoking states’ ability to set stronger pollution standards is a devastating blow for climate, public health
WASHINGTON–Today, the Senate voted to prohibit states from acting to protect their residents from dangerous climate and air pollution by voting to revoke a waiver allowing states to adopt stronger pollution limits for cars than current federal standards. Eighteen states and the District of Columbia have adopted stricter standards on pollution from vehicles in order to improve air quality and safeguard our health. Transportation is the single-largest source of harmful air pollution that causes severe health harms and causes climate change. Rose Garr, Senior Director of Government Affairs at the Climate Action Campaign (CAC), issued the following statement:
“Almost half of Americans live in states that enjoy the benefits of cleaner, safer air in the state they live in thanks to this long-established authority granted by the Clean Air Act. Undoing states’ ability to enact these protections is a direct assault on that right, essentially locking in dirtier air, more asthma attacks, and catastrophic climate damage – all to appease a few deep pocketed oil and gas lobbyists.
"It would be laughable – if it weren’t so dangerous – to watch Senate Republicans twist themselves into knots to justify their misuse of the Congressional Review Act (CRA) in a brazen attempt to permanently strip states of their right to cut vehicle pollution. Republicans’ decision to press ahead override the Senate Parliamentarian’s ruling in their eagerness to please their friends in the oil and gas industry betrays the hundreds of millions of Americans who deserve clean air. We are deeply disappointed that Sen. Slotkin chose to side with them.
"The hypocrisy is stunning. The consequences are deadly. And the message is clear: When polluter profits are on the line, the GOP will sacrifice the lives and health of Americans every time.”
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About the Climate Action Campaign
Climate Action Campaign (CAC) is a vibrant coalition driving ambitious, durable, equitable federal action to tackle the climate crisis. By cutting carbon pollution and accelerating the transition to clean energy, we will improve public health and create a more resilient economy and a more sustainable future for all.
