FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 18, 2019
Contact:
Noah Barnes, Plug In America
(323) 333-8010
nbarnes@pluginamerica.org
States should have the right to set own clean car standards
Plug In America responds to EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler’s comments
LOS ANGELES – Yesterday, in a speech to the National Automobile Dealers Association, EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler indicated that the administration intends to revoke California’s waiver, permitted by the Clean Air Act, that permits the state to set its own clean car standards. President Donald Trump later confirmed this in a tweet.
In response, Plug In America Executive Director Joel Levin issued the following statement:
“California has historically had some of the worst air quality in the country and it should have the right to set strong clean car standards for itself. These standards have significantly reduced air pollution and must be maintained.
The electric car is critical to reducing this air pollution. It’s unfortunate that the administration fails to realize that more Americans are embracing the electric car than ever before. This week is National Drive Electric Week, with EV drivers from coast to coast celebrating clean electric cars at 322 events in all 50 states. These drivers know that electric cars are better for consumers, for our health and for the planet.
Despite Administrator Wheeler’s incorrect statement, a clear majority of battery-electric vehicle drivers, 75% according to JD Power research from July 2019, say they would purchase a similar vehicle. As more EV makes and models become available to consumers, that number will certainly rise.
In addition, Administrator Wheeler pointed out that electric cars are less than 2% of new vehicle sales, but context is important. Gasoline-powered vehicles have been on the road for over 100 years, but EVs have only been available to consumers for eight years. Data shows that EV sales rose 26% from 2016 to 2017 and 81% from 2017 to 2018. Strong growth is expected to continue year over year until gas vehicles are phased out. The future of transportation is electric.
It’s indefensible that the Environmental Protection Agency and the Trump Administration are moving our country backwards and allowing for more air pollution, risking Americans’ health and our environment.”
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About Plug In America
Plug In America is the nation’s leading independent consumer voice for accelerating the use of plug-in electric vehicles in the United States. Formed as a non-profit in 2008, Plug In America provides practical, objective information collected from our coalition of plug-in vehicle drivers, through public outreach and education, policy work and a range of technical advisory services. Our expertise represents the world’s deepest pool of experience of driving and living with plug-in vehicles. We drive electric. You can too. PlugInAmerica.org
