American Lung Association: Senate Vote to Block Clean Vehicles Program ‘Devastating for Health’

Today, the U.S. Senate voted to pass three Congressional Review Act Resolutions of Disapproval that seek to block U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers for cleaner cars and cleaner trucks standards. If signed into law, these resolutions will block the waivers that would have allowed three key programs to protect public health from pollution from vehicles to move forward, in California and in other states. American Lung Association President and CEO Harold Wimmer issued the following statement in response:

“Today’s Senate votes to block state clean air programs are nothing short of devastating for health – and for Congress itself. 

“The programs that the Senate voted to block today save lives. These 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 largely in effect in California, have been adopted in additional states, and have been approved by EPA. Voting to overturn that approval means voting to take away these important protections from air pollution. 

“Make no mistake: both kids and adults will breathe more soot and smog and suffer asthma attacks that would have been prevented because Congress voted to take away these protections.

“What’s more, the vote improperly used the Congressional Review Act, which does not and should not apply to the EPA waiver approvals. This sets a dangerous precedent, opening the door for a dramatic expansion of Congress’ ability to permanently overturn other government actions, like permits, licenses and other types of waivers, with a simple majority vote.

“Senators who voted to overturn clean air protections today are endangering health for kids, seniors, outdoor workers and everyone who lives, works or plays near a busy road. President Trump must veto these resolutions.”