(Flint, MI) – State Senator and Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich (SD-27), State Representative John Cherry (HD-49) and State Representative Tim Sneller (HD-50) joined other environmental experts and public health advocates today and called on Michigan’s congressional delegation to support a new round of stronger federal clean car standards from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The speakers urged the EPA to move quickly to enact a new strong 2027 – 2035 model year fuel economy and carbon pollution standards that limit carbon pollution and spur the economy.
“Michigan has always been the home and heart of the automotive industry, and Flint is a core part of that legacy,” said Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich. “We intend to continue to lead the way by producing clean, pollution-free cars for the health of our economy and the health of our people. More clean cars mean better air, family-sustaining union jobs, and long-term economic stimulus – particularly in underserved communities that are vulnerable to both pollution and economic challenges under the status quo.”
Local leaders at today’s news conference lauded Senator Debbie Stabenow and other Michigan Members of Congress for their previous support for strong clean car standards, and urged the EPA to build on that progress by setting even stronger standards for the next round, which will cover models beginning in the year 2027.
“People in Flint understand how crucial rigorous environmental standards and economic innovation are to the health of a community,” said State Representative John Cherry. “President Biden deserves credit for restoring the Obama-Biden era clean car standards this past December. However, the Administration and the EPA should go further to meaningfully address tailpipe pollution that is hurting Michiganders and fully realize the economic potential that a transition to pollution-free vehicles can offer.”
The transportation sector is also the leading source of the carbon pollution driving climate change. By making cars cleaner, we can dramatically cut pollution damaging the health of Michigan residents as well as reduce the carbon pollution driving climate change, avert the most catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis, and address longstanding environmental and economic injustice.
“It’s critical that people understand that strong clean car standards are more than just a piece of federal regulation,” said State Representative Tim Sneller. “These rules mean more low and zero-pollution vehicles coming off the assembly lines, which means cleaner air, more jobs, and more investment in our communities. Stronger standards and the growth of the clean car industry represent massive opportunities to move forward on health, jobs, and environmental justice. We cannot afford inaction.”
A recording of the event is available HERE.
