Statement of Nathaniel Keohane
President, Center for Climate and Energy Solutions (C2ES)
March 20, 2024
“Accelerating the transition to zero-emission cars and trucks is critical for our climate—and for a thriving U.S. auto industry. Investing in them will help keep American manufacturers—and workers—at the leading edge of the global economy.
“Today’s announcement by the EPA also heralds a new era of cleaner air and healthier communities. The new vehicle emissions standards will slash greenhouse gas emissions by an estimated seven billion tons over the coming decades, while also reducing other dangerous air pollutants. These standards are made possible by the technological innovations and investments automakers have made with the support of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the Inflation Reduction Act, which have helped spur the rapid growth of zero-emission vehicles and infrastructure.
“While these standards are an important step, now is not the time to ease off the accelerator. President Biden must continue to pursue administrative actions and legislation to cut emissions throughout the economy and advance U.S. leadership on climate.”