The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a rule to update the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for new vehicles starting in model year 2027. In response, Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, issued a statement.
“Today’s final rule is another important step towards reducing carbon pollution and curbing climate change. The new fuel efficiency requirements for new cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks are beneficial for consumers and for health. More efficient vehicles will save lives and money."
Wimmer emphasized that the final rule aligns with recent regulations from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), aimed at reducing vehicle emissions. “This final rule will work in tandem with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) strong, recently finalized rules to ensure new vehicles are less polluting. Cleaning up new cars has widespread public support. A recent poll released by the Lung Association found that a strong majority of voters support the EPA setting stricter limits on emissions from light-duty vehicles like cars or trucks."
He further highlighted the importance of transitioning to zero-emission vehicles for children's health. “Cleaning up cars – and transitioning to zero-emission vehicles – is critical for kids’ health. The Lung Association’s recent report, ‘Boosting Health for Children,’ found that a nationwide transition to zero-emission vehicles, powered by non-combustion renewable electricity, would prevent 2.79 million pediatric asthma attacks and millions of other respiratory symptoms and save hundreds of infant lives by 2050."
Wimmer concluded by expressing gratitude towards the Biden administration while urging further action on vehicle emission waivers requested by California. “We are glad to see today’s final rule and thank the Biden administration for the major steps taken to protect public health from emissions from cars and trucks. Now, we urge the administration to approve California’s pending vehicle emission waiver requests to further clean up transportation pollution and improve health equity.”
