Broad Coalition Urges Gov. Walz; Commissioner Bishop to Adopt Clean Car Standards

September 11, 2020

Contact: Jeremy Drucker (612) 670-9650

Over forty-five national and local businesses, vehicle manufacturers, labor organizations, consumer advocates, and non-governmental organizations weigh in for cleaner air, increased consumer choice, more savings

St. Paul, MN--This week over forty-five national and local businesses, vehicle manufacturers, labor organizations, consumer advocates, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) sent a letter to Governor Tim Walz and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency Commissioner Laura Bishop urging the adoption of stronger fuel emissions standards in Minnesota, also known as clean car standards. The broad coalition represented in the letter underscores the strong support for better fuel emissions standards and more consumer choice.

The letter, in part, reads:

The transportation sector is a major contributor to air pollutants in Minnesota and is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the state. Pollution from vehicles exacerbates health problems for Minnesota’s communities of color and its vulnerable citizens, including children, the elderly, and people with respiratory diseases. Early studies indicate polluted air can be associated with higher COVID-19 death rates, which underscores the importance of clean air to public health and resilience. A Clean Cars Minnesota program will reduce this dangerous air pollution and ensure that Minnesotans will have a greater selection of cleaner vehicles -- including electric vehicles. These vehicles will save money for households and businesses alike, saving Minnesotans’ billions of their hard-earned dollars in avoided gasoline expenditures. At a time when Minnesotans are hurting, this program would be a significant way to start reducing transportation costs for households across the state and to help build a stronger economy.

A new report from an independent consultant released yesterday showed that adopting clean cars standards will clean Minnesota’s air and save Minnesotans money. The report, which looked specifically at Minnesota, found that such standards will save consumers on average $1,600 over the life of a new vehicle and reduce emissions of smog-forming and climate pollutants.

As wildfires burn across the American west, unpredictable and destructive weather events increase, and the climate’s temperature steadily climbs, Americans want their government to take stronger action. A recent poll found that 73% of Americans support stronger fuel efficiency standards for cars, trucks, and SUVs.

You can read the full letter here.