Today, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on resolutions which could block Environmental Protection Agency waivers aimed at advancing cleaner car and truck standards. The House approved two Congressional Review Act Resolutions of Disapproval and is set to vote on a third. These actions target EPA waivers that support initiatives to reduce pollution from vehicles in California and other states.
Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association, responded to the vote, asserting, “Today, the House voted twice to block measures that reduce air pollution, and protect the health of families, and especially children, from dirty cars and trucks, with another vote expected tomorrow. These votes put important clean air protections at risk.”
Wimmer highlighted the significance of the programs involved, “The three clean air programs – Advanced Clean Cars II, Advanced Clean Trucks, and Heavy-Duty Omnibus – are rules that clean up pollution from vehicles. The rules are already in effect in California, have been adopted in additional states, and approved by EPA. Voting to overturn that approval means voting to take away these important protections from air pollution.”
He also criticized the use of the Congressional Review Act in this context, stating, “What’s more, the vote improperly used the Congressional Review Act, which doesn’t apply to the EPA waiver approvals. This sets a dangerous precedent.”
Despite his disappointment, Wimmer expressed hope for the Senate's actions, urging senators to reject efforts that would nullify clean vehicle standards, “While today’s House votes were profoundly disappointing, we now look to the Senate to stand strong for clean air, healthy families and kids’ health. We call on all senators to vote no on any measures that would overturn clean vehicles standards.”
