Carper Statement on EPA’s Decision to Roll Back Auto Emissions Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement regarding Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt’s announcement that the Trump Administration is moving to weaken greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks.

“Despite today’s disappointing announcement, I continue to believe that a ‘win-win’ solution, that can garner the support of both automakers and the State of California, is within reach. Such a solution, though, will require a serious negotiation to take place and an end to polarizing rhetoric that challenges states’ rights and questions clear climate science.  

“There is a way to provide regulatory certainty for automakers, while also ensuring that strong emissions standards continue to benefit the environment and consumers. But a weak proposal, like the one detailed in a leaked document prepared by the Department of Transportation, is far from a ‘win-win’ solution and would actually create more uncertainty for auto manufacturers and lead to unnecessary and lengthy legal challenges. It is in the best interest of all parties, and our planet, for all the stakeholders to come to the table and find a workable solution, and I would urge them to do so expeditiously.”