By: Lucia Valentine, West Virginia State Coordinator, Moms Clean Air Force
Date: May 9, 2023
About: Environmental Protection Agency Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2022-0829
To: Environmental Protection Agency
Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. My name is Lucia Valentine, and I am the West Virginia organizer for Moms Clean Air Force. I am from Shepherdstown, West Virginia, and have lived in the Mountain State my whole life. On behalf of Moms Clean Air Force, I call on EPA to finalize the strongest possible clean cars standards this year. Stronger transportation standards are crucial in protecting the health of our children and communities, and it is urgent that we act now.
EPA’s proposed multipollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles are an important step forward in protecting our families from dangerous tailpipe pollution, which is a significant contributor to climate change and other harmful health impacts. Parents in West Virginia want to see a rapid transition to zero-emissions vehicles. And are calling on EPA to finalize the strongest possible clean cars standards this year.
Growing up on the banks of the Potomac River, I have experienced exacerbated climate disasters such as flooding due to the negative impacts that greenhouse gasses have on our environment. Transportation is the largest source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States, making up 27% of all emissions. Within the transportation sector, passenger cars and trucks are the largest contributor, at 58% of all transportation sources and 17% of total US greenhouse gas emissions.
In addition to climate pollution, vehicles also pollute our air. Tailpipe pollution harms everyone, but especially those who live near highways, ports, freight hubs, and other high traffic areas. Pollution from light- and medium-duty vehicles contributes to harmful soot and smog pollution that threatens the health of millions of people in the US.
Communities of color are also disproportionately impacted by climate change and poor air quality. Everyone has the right to breathe clean air and that's why setting the strongest possible pollution standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles, and rapidly transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles, is key for addressing climate justice, as these communities will benefit most from a rapid transition to zero-emissions vehicles.
Climate change threatens our health in many ways and is also making it more difficult to clean up air pollution. This rulemaking will impact the cars our children drive—and the quality of the air they breathe in the future. The vehicles covered by this rule will be on the road for decades, and they must be cleaned up as soon as possible. That’s why Moms Clean Air Force is calling on EPA to finalize the strongest possible clean cars standards this year. Thank you for your time today.