Latest move by the EPA will result in Americans breathing more unhealthy, polluted air

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Arizona PIRG Education Fund

The Environmental Protection Agency announced it would revoke a waiver that gave California the ability to set its own standards for automobile emissions. The waiver allowed the state to set stricter air quality standards than those imposed at the federal level — and provided an avenue for Arizona and other states to follow suit. More than one-third of U.S. auto buyers live in the 14 states plus Washington, DC, that have adopted California’s stricter standards.

In response, Diane E. Brown, Arizona PIRG Education Fund’s Executive Director issued the following statement:

“The EPA has taken a complete wrong turn with this decision. The authority of states, established under the Clean Air Act, to adopt stronger limits on pollution from cars must be protected if we’re to continue making progress on improving air quality, protecting public health and helping consumers to save money.

But these relaxed fuel efficiency standards will do the opposite, leaving Americans breathing more polluted air. We will continue to our work to give California, Arizona and other states the right to protect Americans.”

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