Remarks for the Light Duty Vehicle Rule Event, As Prepared for Delivery
Michael Regan
Washington, DC
Thank you, Asada, for that kind introduction!
Future leaders, like Asada and her colleagues on EPA’s National Environmental Youth Advisory Council, deserve a permanent seat at the table, and they certainly have one at EPA.
We’re so grateful to have all of our young people with us today.
To President Biden’s National Climate Advisor, Ali Zaidi, thank you for your partnership in the White House.
I’m also grateful to the leaders here with us—John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation, Amanda Leland, Executive Director of the Environmental Defense Fund, and Albert Gore, Executive Director of the Zero Emissions Transportation Association.
It’s because of your persistence and advocacy that we are all benefiting from cleaner air and healthier communities.
I’d also like to thank the auto workers across the country—especially the UAW –YOU are building cleaner cars right here at home and ensuring America is a global leader in clean vehicle technology.
You also remind us every single day that no one in the world should ever bet against the American worker.
And speaking about sure bets...let me say, I always bet on Team EPA!
I want to thank the incredible career team who have worked so hard to get us to the finish line. Today’s announcement epitomizes years of hard work, resilience, and persistence.
The people of this country are better off because of your efforts, so to all of my EPA colleagues...thank you for your service.
Folks, what an extraordinary backdrop!
Let me just say...I love cars. I always have, and I always will. I’m amazed at the cars and charging stations set up behind me.
It’s a far cry from the 1967 Chevy Chevelle big block my father-in-law and I once restored as a bonding exercise.
We all know that President Biden is a car guy, and in January 2021 he entered office with a clear path forward for our great nation.
President Biden pledged to invest in America——vowing to restore our nation’s most critical infrastructure while uniting a coalition that centered labor, climate, and industry.
And most importantly, he promised to build a cleaner and healthier future for ALL Americans.
Together, President Biden and Vice President Harris are delivering on those promises, and EPA is central to this administration’s top priorities.
When I think about our future, I envision one powered by cleaner energy.
A future that leverages the very best American ingenuity and technology to enhance our quality of life.
A future that revitalizes domestic manufacturing right here at home, while creating good paying American jobs.
And today, I’m proud that we’re taking one major step forward in making that future a reality.
I’m pleased to announce the strongest vehicle pollution technology standards ever finalized in United States history.
These technology standards for model years 2027 through 2032 will avoid more than 7 billion tons of carbon pollution—that’s four times the total carbon pollution from the entire transportation sector in 2021.
The action EPA is taking today will also significantly cut some of the most serious pollution that impact public health.
Transportation is the largest source of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, and thanks to these new technology standards, not only are we restoring America’s position as a global leader in the fight against climate change, but we’re also protecting the health of communities while doing so.
Cleaner vehicles and lower emissions mean so much to people across this country.
- It means fewer hospital visits and fewer premature deaths.
- It means fewer illnesses, like lung cancer and heart disease.
- It means more healthy children and a healthier nation.
- And it also means new opportunities.
We are witnessing a technological revolution driven by the market.
Folks, our technology-neutral, and performance-based standards give the automobile industry the flexibility to choose the combination of pollution control technologies best suited for their consumers.
Let me be clear: whether that means battery electric, plug-in hybrid, advanced hybrid, or cleaner gasoline vehicles, we understand that consumer choice is paramount.
And the timing couldn’t be more perfect.
New technologies have been advancing rapidly.
Battery costs are declining, consumer interest in electric vehicles is rising, and industry is heavily investing in the cars of the future.
EPA is not just supporting this momentum, but we are providing regulatory certainty for industry innovation.
And, if history is any indication, we know that strong standards can be achieved through American manufacturing and with good paying American jobs.
As a matter of fact, we are projecting an increase in U.S. auto manufacturing employment in response to these standards.
After all, since President Biden took office, companies have announced more than $160 billion in U.S. clean vehicle manufacturing, and the U.S. auto manufacturing sector has added more than 100,000 jobs.
Folks, it’s been a long time coming.
Today marks a historic win for public health, for the environment, and for the future of our country.
One mile at a time, we’re cleaning our air, we’re protecting public health.
We’re creating good-paying American jobs.
And we’re paving the way for a future where all people, have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, and the opportunity to lead a healthy life.
Let’s keep America’s foot on the accelerator!
Let’s Go!
Thank you!
Now, it’s my pleasure to introduce John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.