DeSaulnier and Harris Condemn Trump Administration Effort to Revoke California’s Authority to Set Auto Emissions Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) and Senator Kamala D. Harris (D-CA) condemned the Trump Administration's reported intention to formally rescind California's ability to set its own automobile emissions standards. In response to the Trump Administration's announcement of its intent to roll back current fuel standards in 2018, Congressman DeSaulnier and Senator Harris introduced companion resolutions asserting California's authority to set its own standards and supporting the current One National Program. The resolutions are set to be reintroduced this week.

"The Trump Administration's attack on California and the thirteen other states that have adopted their own emissions standards is an affront to democracy and the Clean Air Act," said Congressman DeSaulnier. "It is vital that states be able to create their own standards that will help fight against climate change and its effects, like the increased incidences of wildfires, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. We will not sit idly by while the Administration dismantles key features of our nation's environmental protections."

"For decades, California has been a leader in the fight against climate change because we understand that it represents an existential threat to our nation. But the administration is now taking an unprecedented step to undermine California's authority to set its own ambitious standards that combat air pollution and protect our right to breathe clean air," said Harris. "Let's be perfectly clear: this was not a decision based in scientific fact or made in the best interest of our nation's future. The current administration has put a target on California's back and sought only to score political points by attacking our state. I am absolutely committed to fighting for California's waiver authority and policies to reduce emissions from transportation that will preserve the health of our planet, spur innovation, and keep our families healthy."

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