Governor Carney Urges U.S. EPA to Reconsider Rollback of Vehicle Emission Standards

Rollback is detrimental to Delaware’s environment, economy and public health, Governor says

WILMINGTON, Del. – Governor John Carney on Wednesday urged the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reconsider the agency’s planned revision of Light Duty Vehicle Standards for auto emissions because of adverse environmental, economic and health impacts for Delaware.

EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt announced Monday his intention to roll back Light Duty Vehicle Standards, which in conjunction with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fuel economy standards, require automakers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve the fuel economy of cars and pickup trucks. As currently drafted, these regulations create fuel savings for drivers, promote a healthier environment, reduce dependence on imported oil, and also have led to a greater selection of clean-energy vehicle technologies for Delawareans to choose from.

“In Delaware, almost 30 percent of greenhouse gas emissions come from the transportation sector, and the reduction of emissions in this sector has become an important strategy for the state to mitigate the effects of climate change and to improve air quality,” said Governor Carney. “I am urging the Trump administration to reconsider their plan to roll back the Light Duty Vehicle regulations. Taking this action will be detrimental to the public’s health and quality of life, especially vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly.”

California has a Clean Air Act waiver from EPA that allows it to set more stringent emissions standards. Delaware, along with 12 other states and the District of Columbia, has adopted the California standards for helping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, improve air quality, and mitigate the effects of climate change. The California waiver is being reexamined by EPA for possible elimination. Governor Carney said Delaware supports the continuation of the California waiver under the Clean Air Act.

“Greenhouse gas emissions are not only detrimental to public health, but they also speed up climate change impacts including sea level rise. Since Delaware is the lowest lying State, the effects of climate change and sea level rise will also negatively affect Delaware’s economy and the tourism industry,” said Shawn Garvin, Secretary of the Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. “However, despite EPA’s plan to revise light duty vehicle standards, the State will continue to manage programs and create policies that help with transportation innovation and further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.”

DNREC’s Division of Energy & Climate and Coastal Programs manages the state’s Clean Transportation Incentive Program, which provides rebates for electric and other clean vehicles. Since the start of this program in 2015, over 660 Delawareans and Delaware businesses have received rebates for electric vehicles, which reduce CO2 emissions in the state by approximately 2,000 tons annually.

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