Today, President Donald Trump announced via Twitter that his Administration is revoking a nearly 50 year old waiver to the Clean Air Act that allows states to adopt more stringent vehicle emissions standards.

Fresh Energy Executive Director Michael Noble issued the following statement in response:

“Fresh Energy is profoundly disappointed by the Trump Administration’s decision to throw climate progress in reverse with today’s unnecessary attack on the Clean Air Act.

States like Minnesota have a moral imperative – and the right – to protect themselves from the worst impacts of air pollution and climate change. For more than forty years, the Clean Air Act has guaranteed states the right to reduce air pollution through stronger vehicle emissions standards. State standards have driven industry innovation, resulted in more and better choices for consumers, and led to cleaner air for kids and communities here in Minnesota and across the country. The historic potential of electric vehicles means that cleaner air is more attainable than ever. We must stay the course.

Across the country, Americans have saved billions of dollars through better fuel efficiency and reduced exposure to air pollution. Minnesotans are going to pay more as a result of this reckless decision from Washington. As Governor Walz has said, ‘If Washington is not going to lead, Minnesota will lead.’

Clearly Washington isn’t leading. Fresh Energy is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure that Minnesota will.”

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For media inquiries, contact Justin Fay at fay@fresh-energy.org or 612-251-1457.