West Coast Officials Blast Trump Plan To Reconsider Fuel And Emissions Standards

"We speak today in unified opposition to the federal withdrawal from the vehicle fuel efficiency standards that have worked for years to lower consumers’ fuel costs while making our air healthier to breathe."

That's the message from the governors of Oregon and Washington, along with the mayors of Seattle, Oakland, San Francisco, and Portland.

They came out Wednesday to speak out in opposition to a plan by the Trump Administration to reconsider federal vehicle fuel-economy and emissions standards.

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"Our job as governors and mayors is to boost our region’s economic opportunities and to make our cities and states cleaner and healthier for our citizens," they said, pointing out that they collectively represent an area of $50 million people with a combined GDP of nearly $3 trillion.

"This decision does the exact opposite, making America more dependent on oil while putting more lives at risk from pollution and shortchanging consumers at the pump."

Their statement came hours after the Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that it will be reviewing Obama-era fuel economy standards that aimed at reducing American use of fossil fuels.

Both the EPA and the Department of Transportation put out a statement today announcing the plan, and President Trump touted the plan in his speech in Detroit.

"Today's decision by the EPA is a win for the American economy," said Elaine Chao, secretary of Transportation.

Under the previous administration, the EPA had issued a rule requiring automakers to adhere create cars with a fuel economy of 54.5 miles per gallon of gasoline by 2025. Proponents of these rules argue that they force the auto industry to better account for the impact of emissions on society and the environment, while critics argue that such rules hurt the industry, consumers and auto workers.

"These standards are costly for automakers and the American people," said EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt in a statement. Before being appointed to head up the agency, Pruitt was a long-time critic of the EPA.

According to a White House statement, "The EPA estimated it would cost $200 billion to comply with CAFE-GHG standards from 2012-2025."

The West Coast officials say that the important thing is that the United States maintain its standing as a leader in the world.

“The U.S. is a technology superpower," they said. "Our strong vehicle fuel economy standards are a reflection of that and position the U.S. to remain competitive in the global push toward clean cars. Let’s not cede our leadership."

Cody Fenwick contributed reporting.

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