Washington D.C.– In response to EPA rescinding the landmark 2009 Endangerment Finding and rolling back vehicle pollution standards, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) and Chispa released the following statements:

“LCV is appalled by the Trump administration’s decision to once again turn its back on its obligations to the people just to benefit Big Oil and other polluters,” said LCV Vice President of Government Affairs Sara Chieffo. “Unravelling the Endangerment Finding and rolling back vehicle pollution standards is a shocking, if not surprising, leap backwards on climate and the United States’ leadership on the international stage.

“Without these protections, energy prices will soar, owning a car will get more expensive, and climate disasters destroying our communities will become more frequent and severe. Our families will be forced to breathe more polluted air, exacerbating heart and respiratory conditions like asthma, at the same time as Republicans are passing legislation to drive up healthcare and energy costs across the country. While the Trump administration is hell-bent on exacerbating the climate crisis and driving up costs, we are determined to continue fighting against their egregious attacks on the well-being of our communities and our planet.”

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“We know the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, and this rule seeks to hide that pollution so polluters can operate unchecked. Our communities impacted by heavy pollution, living near freeways, transportation hubs, cities, and industrial areas, will pay the price of worse health and have their lives at risk. Rolling back this rule is an absolute injustice for millions of people, and will hit our children the hardest,” said Chispa Senior Director Estefany Carrasco-González. “Our national leaders have a moral responsibility to protect lives. We are in a full-blown climate crisis, and we don’t have time for a climate-denying administration after historic floods, heatwaves and droughts in our communities. People’s lives and well-being must be prioritized over industry profit.”

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