There are numerous reasons why it is important to regulate smog and emissions from vehicles like cars, buses, and trucks. Such regulations help us to
fight climate change by reducing our carbon footprint, as well as
reduce air pollution and, by extension,
improve the well-being of humans, animals, and the surrounding environment. It even saves people money by reducing the need for excess fossil fuels!
That's why it's been so crucial to have California leading the way in the U.S., by setting the strictest emissions standards in the nation. But of course, Trump and his cronies hate that. S
o the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate just voted to block California's ability to set stronger rules.This is a terrible decision that will hurt our lungs, the Earth, and our futures. Sign the petition to demand that California and Governor Gavin Newsom stand strong in the fight against emissions!California has been able to set the standard for stronger environmental regulations because the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has given it waivers to do so
for almost 60 years. This decision is
up to the EPA alone - not Congress. But Congressional Republicans are so incensed by the idea of protecting the environment and public health, they had to try and weigh in anyway. That's why they passed measures in both the Senate and House to revoke California's ability to access and utilize these waivers.
Luckily, California isn't going to back down quietly. Governor Gavin Newsom issued a statement declaring that "We won't stand by as Trump Republicans make America smoggy again... We're going to fight this unconstitutional attack on California in court."
With climate change steadily worsening year after year, we don't have any time to lose when it comes to reducing our carbon emissions.
Vehicles are one of the top contributors to climate change around the globe, including in the U.S. - which is one of the most carbon-emitting countries in the world.
Additionally, the government is supposed to safeguard its people's well-being - but loosening emissions laws would mean countless people face the horrible effects of worse air quality. Even worse,
air pollution disproportionately impacts communities of color, saddling them with a public health crisis.
Meanwhile, Kathy Harris of the Natural Resources Defense Council, explains that the waivers are a "quadruple win", that help improve air quality, public health, consumers' finances, and the overall economy.
California must continue to be a leader when it comes to environmental justice and emissions regulations. Sign the petition to demand that California stand strong and fight this illegal Congressional action! 