On September 20, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro joined Attorneys General from 22 other states in filing a lawsuit against the Trump Administration for revoking California's Authority to set vehicle emission standards.

Since the 1970s, the federal government has given California permission to set its own rules because it has the most cars on the road of any state and struggles to meet air quality standards.

Pennsylvania and 12 other states plus the District of Columbia have adopted California's emission rules for cars and trucks.

“California’s enhanced vehicle standards have set a nationwide example for reducing vehicle emissions, and Pennsylvanians have benefited from these standards as we work to reduce greenhouse gases and fight climate change,” said DEP Secretary Patrick McDonnell. “Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, and the costs that Pennsylvanians will pay in the form of climate impacts will be significant.”

In 2008, Pennsylvania began requiring that model year 2008 and newer passenger cars and light-duty trucks meet California emissions standards to reduce pollutants that form ground-level ozone and fine particulate matter.

These pollutants have a harmful effect on public health and safety and the environment.

The Trump Administration’s action to revoke California’s waiver to regulate greenhouse gas pollution from these vehicles should not affect Pennsylvania’s program to control ozone and particle pollution, which will remain in place.

Cars and light-duty trucks sold or leased in Pennsylvania will still require California certification.

“Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and we should be focused on increasing our efforts to combat it,” McDonnell said. “The Wolf administration has made it a priority to address climate change, and we will continue to push for solutions.”

NewsClips:

AP: PA, 22 Other States Sue Trump To Keep California’s Auto Emission Rules

PA Enviros Assail Trump’s Move To Block States From Setting Tougher Car Emission Rules

Editorial: Trump’s Toxic Emissions Policy, Blocking California Vehicle Standards

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Senate, House Lawmakers From Both Parties Call On Wolf To Move Oil & Gas Methane Emission Reduction Rules Without Delay

Bipartisan Group Of 30 House Members Urge Wolf To Take Action On Regs To Reduce Methane Emissions From Oil & Gas Operations

Crown Packaging To Set Science-Based Sustainability Climate Targets In Early 2020

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[Posted: September 20, 2019]

9/22/2019