On March 31, 2020, the Trump administration released an updated and much weaker version of the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule. The Trump administration’s version of this rule increases greenhouse gas emissions and decreases improvements in fuel economy standards. This move will increase air pollution in our communities, force drivers to spend more at the pump, and exacerbate the climate crisis.
America is at its best when we innovate and build, not when we take shortcuts. This decision by the Trump administration is another example of poor leadership that hurts Americans today and in the future. We are in the middle of a pandemic where the illness is exacerbated by having an underlying health condition, especially affecting the lungs and respiratory system. It is irresponsible to let our transportation sector continue to pollute at high levels when we know this harm that comes to all Americans across all geographies. We all breathe the same air, and we’re facing the same challenges.
Minnesotan’s should continue to pursue the most stringent Clean Cars Standards. We must continue to show leadership on this front, just as the state has in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. There are no shortcuts to solving tough issues. Still, we know we can rise to the challenges we face. We’ve done it in the past and we will again. To say that the challenges are too hard, and to set the bar lower is to give up. Minnesotans do not give up. All Minnesotans—rural and urban–will benefit from a strong Clean Cars Standard. We know these are the standards we need to compete globally and to keep our local communities healthy and thriving.
