Trump tailpipe emissions rollback hurts all Minnesotans

Cars on a rural highway

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.

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Kelsey Olson

Kelsey Olson

Director of Environmental Stewardship

Kelsey Olson (she/her) joined CURE in 2025 as its Director of Environmental Stewardship. As a skilled environmental naturalist, Kelsey’s work focuses broadly on environmental education and advocacy with a keen focus on rural land use and how that use impacts our environment and climate. Working Lands, how land is used to support agriculture and forestry, is a key focus of her work. She brings 15 years’ experience in public communication, environmental education, and rural community engagement – strong communication strategies are core in her work. This includes two terms of service with AmeriCorps in the VISTA program in Oregon and Maryland and a nearly 10-year career as a naturalist followed. She recently worked on communications and marketing for rural economic development.

Kelsey lives in New London, MN, with her young children, husband, dog, and two cats. They enjoy spending time together outside and finding small treasures in nature. Visits to Minneapolis often include visits to one of their favorite historical museums, the Minnesota Swedish Institute. Kelsey enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, whether this is canning local produce, making kombucha, or other treats!