Secretary Shawn Garvin released the following statement opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s action related to vehicle emission standards:

This week, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency released a final joint rule that rolls back vehicle emission standards. This action will not only increase greenhouse gas and other harmful emissions but also result in lower fuel economy standards for cars and trucks made from 2021 to 2026.

At a time when vehicle emissions account for a substantial and growing portion of emissions in Delaware, now is not the time to roll back standards, especially when automakers have the technology to meet higher standards. The rule will hurt consumers who will pay more at the pump to fuel less efficient vehicles, while at the same time harming public health by contributing to air pollution and climate change.

Delaware has long supported the sale of cleaner cars in Delaware that help to reduce pollution and increase vehicle fuel efficiency. Delaware is in the process of preparing its Climate Action Plan and strategies to reduce vehicle pollution will be a key element of the plan to meet the State’s climate goals.

The Federal rollback of achievable and necessary vehicle emission standards creates unnecessary burdens to consumers and public health and makes it more difficult for the state to meet its air quality and climate change goals. Despite this action by the Federal government, Delaware will continue to take strong actions that reduce pollution from our vehicles including incentivizing the use of electric and other alternative fueled vehicles, transitioning the state’s fleet, and expanding transit options.