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For years California has tried to implement clean car standards that require automakers to reduce pollution from cars and trucks by 30 percent by 2016.  Yet every step of the way, our state has met obstruction and delay from automakers and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

After stalling for two years, the U.S. EPA announced in December that it will prevent California and 12 other states from implementing the law.  With evidence now showing that U.S. EPA scientists and legal staff disagreed with the decision, it is becoming clear that the agency’s failure to give California the go-ahead marks a political choice to cater to powerful special interests instead of protecting the public from very real risks of climate change.

Environment California is working to make sure the major presidential candidates to pledge to reverse this decision on Day One of the next administration.

How You Can Help

Summary

It’s no secret that the millions of cars and trucks clogging California’s roads and highways are the 800-pound gorilla of global warming and smog pollution.

Automobiles spew more carbon dioxide than any other source of pollution in the Golden State—we rely on petroleum for 96 percent of all vehicle fuel. Automobiles are a leading source of soot and smog-forming pollutants that contribute to over 5,000 deaths in California each year.  

Fortunately, with the right policies, California can cut global warming pollution, achieve cleaner air and be a leader in developing clean technologies.