August 2, 2018

WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 2, 2018) – Today, Defend Our Future, a national grassroots organization empowering young people to take action on climate change, released the following statement in response to the Trump administration’s decision to roll back America’s clean car standards:

“The Trump administration will stop at nothing when it comes to tearing down protections that Americans depend on. Rolling back the clean car standards will make our air more polluted and will force drivers into dirtier, less-efficient vehicles that are more expensive to drive. Not content to stop there, Trump and his dirty deputies also want to attack states’ longstanding authority to limit dangerous tailpipe pollution.

“President Trump and newly appointed Acting Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Andrew Wheeler are playing fast and loose with Americans’ health in their single-minded quest to please polluters. Tearing down successful and achievable climate change and air pollution protections endangers everyone, and slashing money-saving standards just as gas prices hit a four-year high amounts to a direct attack on families who can’t afford to pay more at the pump.

“This rollback is further tainted since it was developed during disgraced former EPA Administrator Pruitt’s time in office, who is still the subject of at least 18 federal investigations into his abuse of taxpayer funds, improper dealings with lobbyists, and other ethics violations. By moving forward with this extreme and senseless proposal, Wheeler demonstrates the same rampant disregard for science and contempt for the mission of his own agency as Pruitt.

“Congress needs to stand up for our families and communities who are in danger today, and the young people who will inherit the consequences of this reckless action for the rest of their lives, and oppose Trump and Wheeler’s rollback in no uncertain terms. Slashing these standards will pollute our air and make driving more expensive. It simply does not make sense.

“We strongly oppose Trump and Wheeler’s toxic agenda and will fight this reckless rollback at every turn.”

###