Dozens of Democratic lawmakers are urging the Trump administration to reconsider its proposed rollback of vehicle mileage standards, citing concerns about the impact on fuel efficiency, American wallets, and the environment.
In a letter addressed to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on February 4th, the lawmakers expressed their strong opposition to the proposed rollbacks, which would significantly weaken the current standards set by the Obama administration. The standards, which were put in place in 2012, require automakers to gradually increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles to an average of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
The lawmakers argued that the rollbacks would have detrimental effects on both the economy and the environment. They pointed out that the current standards have already saved consumers billions of dollars in fuel costs and reduced carbon emissions by millions of tons. Rolling back these standards would not only reverse these positive impacts, but also harm American families who rely on fuel-efficient vehicles to save money on gas.
Furthermore, the lawmakers warned that weakening the standards would also have a negative impact on the fight against climate change. With transportation being one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, maintaining strong fuel efficiency standards is crucial in reducing our carbon footprint and mitigating the effects of climate change.
The letter also highlighted the fact that the proposed rollbacks are not supported by the majority of Americans. A recent survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center found that 77% of Americans support the current fuel efficiency standards and believe that automakers should continue to improve the fuel economy of their vehicles.
The lawmakers urged Secretary Duffy to consider the overwhelming support for the current standards and to prioritize the well-being of American families and the environment over the interests of the auto industry. They also called for a thorough and transparent review process, with input from experts and stakeholders, before any changes to the standards are made.
The proposed rollbacks have been met with criticism from environmental groups, consumer advocates, and even some automakers. In fact, four major automakers – Ford, Honda, Volkswagen, and BMW – recently reached a deal with the state of California to increase the fuel efficiency of their vehicles, despite the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the standards.
The lawmakers’ letter comes at a crucial time, as the Trump administration is expected to make a final decision on the proposed rollbacks in the coming weeks. The fate of the current fuel efficiency standards and the future of our environment and economy hang in the balance.
In conclusion, the lawmakers’ call to halt the proposed rollback of vehicle mileage standards is a necessary step in protecting the interests of American families and the environment. We must continue to prioritize fuel efficiency and take action against climate change, and the current standards are a crucial part of that effort. Let us hope that the Trump administration will listen to the voices of the American people and make the right decision for the future of our country.
