‘Pandering to Special Interests:' Trump Rolls Back Fuel Economy Standards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT: Stefanie Spear, [email protected], 216-387-1609

Washington, DC—August 2, 2018—Today, the Trump administration announced its plan to roll back nationally agreed upon fuel economy standards, including plans to eliminate California’s authority to set its own automotive emissions rules.

Danielle Fugere, president of As You Sow, made the following statement:

“As investors in people and planet, we are highly disappointed with the Trump administration’s decision to roll back critical fuel economy standards that were agreed upon by EPA, NHTSA, California, and automakers. This move reflects a continued pandering to special oil and automotive interests at the expense of the health of our citizens and the global economy.

“While this administration continues to look backward to an energy economy whose day has come and gone, the rest of the world is moving forward to embrace cleaner, cheaper energy and vehicle technologies. Stalling clean car standards—a move that will cost U.S. citizens in terms of higher air pollution and greater fuel expenses —harms our health, our climate, the competitiveness of U.S. automotive companies, and our leadership in the global economy.

“As a nation, and as individual shareholders, we must continue to invest in solutions that drive our economy forward, not backward.”

For more information on the importance of the CAFE standards for automakers, read this blog.

For more information on the resolution voted on at the General Motors annual meeting in June, asking the company for clarity on whether, and to what degree, the company will change its product plans and business strategy as a result of the weakening of CAFE standard, read this press release.

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As You Sow is a nonprofit organization that promotes environmental and social corporate responsibility through shareholder advocacy, coalition building and innovative legal strategies.