A Michigan clean fuels expert is weighing in as three Congressional resolutions introduced last week take aim at EPA waivers that allowed California to enforce tougher emissions standards.
Supporters of California’s rules say reversing stricter standards would undermine a state’s push for cleaner vehicles. Coltura, a non-profit that promotes zero-emission transportation, finds drivers in Michigan’s auto-heavy 10th District, for example, could save more than $1,100 a year on fuel by switching to electric vehicles.
Charles Griffith of the Ecology Center in Ann Arbor says while Michigan isn’t affected directly by the California fight, the fallout could still have repercussions.
“It certainly would set a bad precedent for taking away regulations that have allowed states to go further than the federal government in terms of protecting the health and environment of their citizens,” Griffith said.
Supporters of the congressional resolutions say that letting states set stricter rules creates a confusing patchwork and that national standards would simplify things for automakers. Supporters of the regulations say EV tax credits and programs to make EVs more accessible can unlock decades of savings for people.
A vote on the resolutions is expected this Wednesday.
