Consumer Organizations Urge Congress to Protect Robust Tailpipe Emission Standards, Alleviate Pain at the Pump
Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC — The National Consumers League, Consumer Federation of America, and 24 other public interest organizations sent a letter to House and Senate leadership urging members of Congress to oppose resolutions that would invalidate robust tailpipe emission standards adopted in full or in part by 18 states and the District of Columbia.
“Costs are low when tailpipe emission standards are high,” the letter states. “The fewer pollutants that may be emitted, the less gasoline must be consumed. These savings are substantial, as households spend approximately $2,800, or 3.7 percent of household budgets, on gasoline each year.”
Improvements in clean vehicle technology since 2002 save owners of 2024 light trucks and SUVs $9,920 in avoided gasoline expenditures over the vehicle’s lifecycle, amounting to $834 in annual savings. Owners’ of 2024 cars save $9,100 in avoided gasoline expenditures over the vehicle’s lifecycle, amounting to $650 in annual savings.
Further, clean vehicle features have had a minimal effect on vehicle prices. Equipment upgrades—which include changes in clean vehicle technologies, comfort, convenience, durability, and nonmandatory safety improvements—account for only $3,040, or 13 percent, of the increase in average expenditures per new passenger vehicle since 2002.
“Weakening tailpipe emission standards will inflict more pain at the pump and exacerbate affordability challenges,” the letter continues. “More pollutants result in more avoidable illnesses and deaths, exacerbating healthcare costs.”
The letter also asserts that “[a] cleaner fleet is a safer fleet, helping address the unacceptably high number of automobile fatalities and injuries on our nation’s roadways.”
“The American people do not have to choose between vehicle affordability and fuel efficiency, public health, and environmental stewardship,” the letter states. “We encourage all members of Congress to oppose these improper CRA resolutions.”
A copy of the letter can be found HERE
Cosigners (26): National Consumers League; Consumer Federation of America; Affordable Homeownership Foundation Inc.; American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE); America Walks; American Academy of Pediatrics; American Academy of Pediatrics, Arizona Chapter; American Academy of Pediatrics California Chapter 1; American Academy of Pediatrics, DC Chapter; American Academy of Pediatrics, Florida Chapter; American Academy of Pediatrics, Idaho Chapter; American Academy of Pediatrics, Maine Chapter; American Academy of Pediatrics, Virginia Chapter; Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota; Center for Auto Safety;
Center for Progressive Reform; Citizens Action Coalition of IN; Consumer Federation of California; Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety; Earth Ethics, Inc.; Kids and Car Safety; National Center for Health Research; National Coalition for Safer Roads; New Jersey Citizen Action; Vision Zero Maine; Whirlwind Wheelchair International
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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.
