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Cars and Trucks

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WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON

Moms Clean Air Force has been fighting for strong protections from car pollution since 2011. Most recently in 2023–24, we worked to finalize stronger EPA pollution protections for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles by showing up in force at EPA virtual public hearings and delivering written comments in favor of the strongest possible vehicle pollution protections. With Trump in the White House, we are working to protect the historic Cleaner Car and Cleaner Truck Rules finalized in 2024.

Take Action

MOMS ACTION

To actively build support for strengthening pollution protections for cars and trucks across the country, we:

  • EDUCATE In May 2023, more than 60 Moms staff and members gave testimony in support of the Cleaner Car and Cleaner Truck Standards at two EPA virtual public hearings. Our fact sheet, Tailpipe Pollution and Our Health, breaks down the issue in a way everyone can understand.
  • PETITION We’ve been petitioning for stronger car pollution standards for more than a decade. In 2023 alone, we submitted nearly 10,000 written comments in support of stronger car and truck pollution standards.
  • PARTNER Moms partners with the Climate Action Campaign and Clean Vehicles Campaign to strengthen car and truck pollution standards.
  • AMPLIFY Moms has been featured in hundreds of articles about clean cars and trucks in regional and national media outlets, including the Washington Post, Reader’s Digest, and Consumer Reports, since our founding.
  • SUCCEED Through testimony and written comments, Moms called for strong tailpipe pollution protections, and EPA delivered. The Cleaner Car and Cleaner Truck Rules finalized in 2024 will together significantly cut dangerous pollution from the transportation sector and put us on a critical path to boosting the electric vehicle market share.

OUR CARS AND TRUCKS EXPERTS

Kindra Weid, RN

Electric School Bus Outreach Coordinator

Melody Reis

Director of Federal Policy

Patrice Tomcik

National Field Director

Almeta E. Cooper

National Manager for Health Justice

FEATURED RESOURCES

Tailpipe Pollution and Our Health

Fact Sheet

Tailpipe Pollution and Our Health

New EPA Standards Tackle Toxic Tailpipe Pollution

Article

New EPA Standards Tackle Toxic Tailpipe Pollution

Cleaner Trucks Standards a Step in the Right Direction Toward Protecting Our Health, Climate, and Vulnerable Populations

Press Statement

Cleaner Trucks Standards a Step in the Right Direction Toward Protecting Our Health, Climate, and Vulnerable Populations

WHY WE CARE

The transportation sector is the largest source of climate pollution in the U.S. Cars, trucks, and buses can emit many harmful pollutants, such as soot, nitrogen oxides, and carbon monoxide. Tailpipe emissions can also combine with heat and air to form ground-level ozone, or smog. Strong limits are needed.

Diesel buses also pollute our air and harm our health. Tailpipe pollution inside a diesel bus can be even higher than outside, a big concern for students with long commutes as well as bus drivers. Electric buses run on battery power with no tailpipe emissions—on the bus or into surrounding communities.

HEALTH IMPACTS

Exposure to truck and car pollution can cause a range of health effects, such as asthma, lung infections, heart attacks, stroke, premature death, low birth weight, and cancer.

Diesel exhaust is also a known carcinogen. Children are more vulnerable to diesel pollution than adults. Millions of children still ride diesel-powered school buses, exposing them to harmful air pollution that can trigger asthma attacks, interfere with lung development, and even reduce their ability to learn.

COMMUNITY IMPACTS

In the U.S., low-income, Black, Asian, Latino, and Tribal communities are more likely to live near truck routes and bear a disproportionately heavy burden from the health harms of truck and car pollution. Some families face cumulative effects of pollution from multiple sources, living near oil refineries as well as trucking routes and major highways.

BACK STORY ON
CARS AND TRUCKS

In 2012, the Clean Car Standards were adopted to limit greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks with broad support from automakers, labor, and consumers—including members of Moms Clean Air Force, who testified in support of strong regulations. These car pollution standards have proved achievable and cost-effective for the auto industry and have resulted in the cleanest and most efficient vehicles in U.S. history. They’ve also saved families money at the pump and reduced our reliance on foreign oil.

The Biden administration pledged a 50% reduction of climate pollution from 2005 levels by 2030. To help meet this goal, EPA finalized stronger pollution protections for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles in March 2024. Moms helped, showing up in force at EPA’s virtual public hearings and delivering thousands of written comments in favor of the strongest possible rules. These rules are now in jeopardy under the current Trump administration.

More Resources about Cars and Trucks

  • Articles
  • Resources
  • testimony
  • Take Action
  • press
“Elon Ate My Cat”: A Reformed Musk Fanboy on Tesla’s Plunging Car Sales

Article

“Elon Ate My Cat”: A Reformed Musk Fanboy on Tesla’s Plunging Car Sales

Investments in Electric Vehicles Bring Families Good Jobs and Cleaner Air 

Article

Investments in Electric Vehicles Bring Families Good Jobs and Cleaner Air 

Electric Car Curious? Seven Reasons to Make the Switch Today

Article

Electric Car Curious? Seven Reasons to Make the Switch Today

Moms Tell EPA Diesel Exhaust Is Dangerous

Article

Moms Tell EPA Diesel Exhaust Is Dangerous

New EPA Standards Tackle Toxic Tailpipe Pollution

Article

New EPA Standards Tackle Toxic Tailpipe Pollution

New Year, New Car? How Your Family Can Save Money on an Electric Vehicle in 2024

Article

New Year, New Car? How Your Family Can Save Money on an Electric Vehicle in 2024

States Should Be Able to Set Strong Tailpipe Pollution Protections

Article

States Should Be Able to Set Strong Tailpipe Pollution Protections

Moms Act Fast to Save Tailpipe Pollution Protections

Article

Moms Act Fast to Save Tailpipe Pollution Protections

Online ordering has led to a surge in new warehouses—their trucks are choking neighborhoods with pollution

Article

Online ordering has led to a surge in new warehouses—their trucks are choking neighborhoods with pollution

Connecticut Moms Fight for Cleaner Cars and Trucks

Article

Connecticut Moms Fight for Cleaner Cars and Trucks

Healthy and Clean Transportation Is Possible

Article

Healthy and Clean Transportation Is Possible

North Carolina Needs Cleaner Cars and Trucks

Article

North Carolina Needs Cleaner Cars and Trucks

Read more articles about Cars and Trucks »

Tailpipe Pollution and Our Health

Fact Sheet

Tailpipe Pollution and Our Health

How Diesel Pollution Affects Your Health

Fact Sheet

How Diesel Pollution Affects Your Health

El efecto de la contaminación por tubos de escape sobre nuestra salud

Fact Sheet

El efecto de la contaminación por tubos de escape sobre nuestra salud

Cómo la contaminación por diésel afecta su salud

Fact Sheet

Cómo la contaminación por diésel afecta su salud

Route Zero Relay: Denver

Video

Route Zero Relay: Denver

Route Zero Relay: Detroit

Video

Route Zero Relay: Detroit

Back to School With Clean Cars & Cleaner Air

Video

Back to School With Clean Cars & Cleaner Air

Curated Climate Conversations, Episode 3: Zero Emissions Vehicles

Video

Curated Climate Conversations, Episode 3: Zero Emissions Vehicles

Pennsylvania Virtual Clean Vehicles Press Conference

Video

Pennsylvania Virtual Clean Vehicles Press Conference

New Mexico Clean Vehicles Virtual Press Conference

Video

New Mexico Clean Vehicles Virtual Press Conference

Congressman Perlmutter, Colorado Officials, and Advocates Call for Strong Pollution Rules for Trucks

Video

Congressman Perlmutter, Colorado Officials, and Advocates Call for Strong Pollution Rules for Trucks

Michigan Clean Vehicles Virtual Press Conference

Video

Michigan Clean Vehicles Virtual Press Conference

See more resources about Cars and Trucks »

Testimony: Moms Clean Air Force, National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, March 2024

Testimony

Testimony: Moms Clean Air Force, National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, March 2024

Testimony: Michelle Uberuaga, OMB Clean Car Rule, February 15, 2024

Testimony

Testimony: Michelle Uberuaga, OMB Clean Car Rule, February 15, 2024

Testimony: Emily Pickett, Hillsborough County Public Schools School Board Meeting, January 23, 2024

Testimony

Testimony: Emily Pickett, Hillsborough County Public Schools School Board Meeting, January 23, 2024

Testimony: Elizabeth Bechard, EPA's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) Waiver, January 10, 2024

Testimony

Testimony: Elizabeth Bechard, EPA's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) Waiver, January 10, 2024

Testimony: Melody Reis, EPA's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) Waiver, January 10, 2024

Testimony

Testimony: Melody Reis, EPA's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) Waiver, January 10, 2024

Testimony: Stephanie Reese, EPA's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) Waiver, January 10, 2024

Testimony

Testimony: Stephanie Reese, EPA's Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) Waiver, January 10, 2024

Testimony: Moms Clean Air Force and Other Climate Organizations, EPA's Proposed Clean Car Standards, July 5, 2023

Testimony

Testimony: Moms Clean Air Force and Other Climate Organizations, EPA's Proposed Clean Car Standards, July 5, 2023

Testimony: Samantha Schmitz, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 11, 2023

Testimony

Testimony: Samantha Schmitz, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 11, 2023

Testimony: Erandi Treviño, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 11, 2023

Testimony

Testimony: Erandi Treviño, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 11, 2023

Testimony: Jennifer Cantley, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 10, 2023

Testimony

Testimony: Jennifer Cantley, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 10, 2023

Testimony: Luz Drada, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 10, 2023

Testimony

Testimony: Luz Drada, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 10, 2023

Testimony: Brooke Petry, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 10, 2023

Testimony

Testimony: Brooke Petry, EPA’s Proposed Clean Cars Standards, May 10, 2023

See more testimonies about Cars and Trucks »

Tell Congress: Defend EPA’s Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment

Petition

Tell Congress: Defend EPA’s Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment

Tell Congress: Freezing Federal Funding Hurts Children

Petition

Tell Congress: Freezing Federal Funding Hurts Children

2025

SheKnows

Fighting Climate Change for Our Kids’ Future Just Got Harder — Here’s What Parents Need to Know (and Do!)

Los Alamos Daily Post

Heinrich’s Congressional Briefing Highlights Advancements, Job Creation In Electric Vehicle Supply Chain

La Reyna Radio

Esta mañana

2024

Kiowa County Press

Public News Service Daily Newscast

Public News Service

Clean Trucks Campaign touts benefits of electric vehicles for Pennsylvania

Crain's New York Business

Op-Ed: New York’s congestion pricing program is a win for children’s health

12 News

Electric semi-trucks being built in Eloy

Augusta Free Press

Zero-emission vehicle showcase illustrates progress of clean energy in U.S.

Bridge Michigan

Michigan EV enthusiasts get ready for 1st all-electric Woodward ‘Clean Cruise’

Estes Park Trail Gazette

Estes Park hosts event highlighting federal clean car standards

Desert Companion

It's All Connected

WGRT

Michigan Electric Vehicle Alliance Hosts Inaugural Clean Cruise EV Festival

Air Quality News

Moms Clean Air Force celebrate stronger pollution rules

WLNS

Lansing celebrates EV infrastructure investment

WILX 10

Mayor Schor, Lansing leaders discuss $8M transportation grant

Fox 47 News

50 new EV charging stations coming to Greater Lansing: What drivers can expect

Univision Arizona

EcoMadres en los noticieros: Habrá menos emisiones y más aire limpio en AZ

AZ Mirror

Slashing tailpipe pollution is a huge win for Arizona, where air quality is often dangerous

Conecta Arizona

En Moms Clean Air Force y EcoMadres destacan el impacto favorable que, desde 2027, tendrán en Arizona los vehículos eléctricos que no contaminen

Daily Kos

Overnight News Digest for Weds March 20 (Equinox edition)

E&E

Biden hits accelerator on car rule as foes plot roadblocks

Prensa Arizona

Piden “luz verde” a vehículos eléctricos

Arizona Daily Mirror

Democrats push for ‘strongest ever’ vehicle emissions standards, transition to EVs

Telemundo AZ

EcoMadres: Conferencia de prensa por estándares de vehículos limpios más estrictos

Prensa Arizona

EcoMadres: Entrevista en vivo acerca de estándares de vehículos limpios más estrictos

Forbes

Majority Of Voters Back Tougher Truck Emission Limits, Survey Finds

Las Vegas Sun

Nevada officials urge US to get strict on tighter EPA auto emissions rules

Nevada Current

Dirty air calls for cars powered by clean energy, say advocates

Child in the City

‘Future generations’ will benefit as USA moves to limit deadly emissions from vehicles

2023

Environmental Defense Fund

New Letter from Public Interest Groups Supports Protective EPA Particulate Pollution Limits for New Cars

Consumer Reports

Blog: Cleaner Cars – Your message was delivered!

The Guardian

Norfolk Southern’s call to burn derailed train cars ‘jaw-dropping’, Senate hears

2022

KCET

New Pollution Rule for Heavy-Duty Trucks Is First in U.S. in 20 Years

The Daily Item

EPA strengthens smog-forming emissions rules for heavy trucks

ChroniclesLive

The US Has A New Pollution Rule For Heavy-Duty Trucks For The First Time In 2 Decades

Salon

The US has a new pollution rule for heavy-duty trucks for the first time in 2 decades

The White House

WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: President Biden Delivers Electric Mail Trucks, Clean Air, and Lower Costs

Grist

The US has a new pollution rule for heavy-duty trucks for the first time in 2 decades

AcraMax

EPA strengthens smog-forming emissions rules for heavy trucks

The Detroit News

EPA strengthens smog-forming emissions rules for heavy trucks

Reader's Digest

California Just Banned Gas Cars—Will Your State Ban Them Next?

The Intelligencer

Op-Ed: We need strong standards for polluting trucks

Albuquerque Journal

EPA needs to crack down on polluting trucks, buses

Sierra Sun Times

U.S. Senator Alex Padilla, Colleagues Urge EPA to Finalize Strongest Possible Clean Truck Rule – Includes Requirements for the Sale of Zero-Emission Trucks

2021

Washington Post

New Biden rule reducing climate emissions from cars and SUVs reverses major Trump rollback

Nevada Independent

Traffic pollution is killing us – we need zero-pollution trucks

Bloomberg Law

Greens Urge Biden to Pick Up Pollution Rules for Freight Trucks

WHYY

Pa. elected officials calling for feds to support transition to cleaner cars

WESA

PA Elected Officials Calling for Feds to Support Transition to Cleaner Cars

StateImpact Pennsylvania

Pa. elected officials calling for feds to support transition to cleaner cars

2019

Indiana 93.1FM

Carson Backs Green New Deal's Congressional Cousin

Tera News

Survey: Consumers Want Automakers to Support Cleaner Cars

Public News Service

Survey: Consumers Want Automakers to Support Cleaner Cars

Morning Consultant

Automakers: Give Families Cleaner Cars or Find Another Buyer

2018

Missoula Current

Sustainable Missoula: Missoula families deserve cleaner cars

Times Free Press

Pace: Rep. Black should choose children over glider trucks

2017

Public Now

EDF Calls On EPA To Protect Americans’ Health From Super-Polluting Glider Trucks At Public Hearing Today

South Carolina Radio Network

South Carolina coalition wants environmental standards for cars to move forward

Governors’ Biofuels Coalition

Public asks agency to keep pollution rules for cars

2016

My Social Good News

The National Audubon Society’s 13th Annual Women in Conservation Luncheon Honoring Dominique Browning, Rebecca Moore and Dr. Kathryn D. Sullivan With 2016 Rachel Carson Award

Women’s Voices for Change

Clean Air Activist Dominique Browning Receives Audubon’s 2016 Rachel Carson Award

The Huffington Post

The National Audubon Society’s 2016 Rachel Carson Award Honorees tackle Climate Change By Air, Land & Sea

2013

Top News Today

Molly Rauch: Moms Clean Air Force Tells EPA: Moms Want Clean Cars

Tailpipe Pollution and Our Health

Fact Sheet

Tailpipe Pollution and Our Health

How Diesel Pollution Affects Your Health

Fact Sheet

How Diesel Pollution Affects Your Health

El efecto de la contaminación por tubos de escape sobre nuestra salud

Fact Sheet

El efecto de la contaminación por tubos de escape sobre nuestra salud

Cómo la contaminación por diésel afecta su salud

Fact Sheet

Cómo la contaminación por diésel afecta su salud

Tell Congress: Defend EPA’s Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment

Petition

Tell Congress: Defend EPA’s Ability to Protect Human Health and the Environment

Tell Congress: Freezing Federal Funding Hurts Children

Petition

Tell Congress: Freezing Federal Funding Hurts Children

“Elon Ate My Cat”: A Reformed Musk Fanboy on Tesla’s Plunging Car Sales

Article

“Elon Ate My Cat”: A Reformed Musk Fanboy on Tesla’s Plunging Car Sales

Investments in Electric Vehicles Bring Families Good Jobs and Cleaner Air 

Article

Investments in Electric Vehicles Bring Families Good Jobs and Cleaner Air 

Electric Car Curious? Seven Reasons to Make the Switch Today

Article

Electric Car Curious? Seven Reasons to Make the Switch Today

Moms Tell EPA Diesel Exhaust Is Dangerous

Article

Moms Tell EPA Diesel Exhaust Is Dangerous

The Clean Transportation Future Is Here: Moms Make News 

Article

The Clean Transportation Future Is Here: Moms Make News 

Moms Want Clean Air for Mother’s Day: Moms Make News

Article

Moms Want Clean Air for Mother’s Day: Moms Make News

See more Cars and Trucks resources »

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We are a community of more than 1.6 million moms, dads, and caregivers united against air pollution – including the urgent crisis of our changing climate – to protect our children’s health.

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