As a Latina mom of two boys who faced the challenges of air pollution every day while growing up, I not only support, but need, the Environmental Protection Agency to put strong tailpipe pollution protections in place.
Recently, the EPA finalized Clean Car standards that will slash pollution from passenger cars and light-duty trucks, and now the agency has finalized Clean Truck standards that will protect our families from harmful pollution created by the heavy-duty trucks and buses. The health risks of air pollution make these safeguards imperative for the well-being of my family and other Arizona families and communities.
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Arizona is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, from the majestic Grand Canyon to the picturesque Sonoran Desert, but our state also faces significant air quality issues, particularly in urban areas like Phoenix and Tucson. Tailpipe pollution is a major contributor of dangerous and deadly pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and particulate matter that are pumped into our air by dirty gas cars and diesel trucks.
These pollutants have serious consequences for public health, especially for vulnerable populations such as children, the elderly, and low-income families with higher incidence of respiratory challenges. High levels of air pollution can exacerbate asthma, increase the risk of heart disease, and even lead to premature death.
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As a mother and community leader, protecting my children from these health risks is a top priority, which is why I recently spoke out publicly during a March 12 news conference in Phoenix with other state and local leaders, asking the Biden Administration to make good on promises to slash tailpipe pollution and improve air quality.
The EPA’s final Clean Cars and Clean Trucks standards are a crucial step in curbing air pollution, improving public health and putting us on “Route Zero” — the road to 100% tailpipe pollution-free cars and trucks. By setting rigorous standards for tailpipe pollution and requiring automakers to produce cleaner vehicles, these protections will help reduce the harmful effects of air pollution on our families and communities.
Cleaner air means healthier children, fewer sick days, and a better quality of life for all Arizonans, not to mention savings at the gas pump.
In addition to the public health gains, reducing vehicle pollution will slash climate pollution from the transportation sector, which is among the top contributors driving climate change, and poses significant long-term threats to our state’s ecosystems, water resources, agricultural productivity, infrastructure, economy, and the health of our families. By transitioning to electric vehicles, which do not create any exhaust, we can reduce our carbon footprint and help prevent the most catastrophic impacts of the climate crisis and protect our children’s future.
A common myth is that these pollution protections will impose undue burdens on automakers and consumers, driving up the cost of vehicles. However, history has proven time and time again that these “sky is falling” predictions are completely false. Strong clean vehicle standards do not harm the economy — they drive innovation and technological advancements that spur increased manufacturing and jobs.
By setting clear and achievable limits, these EPA standards provide the regulatory certainty that automakers need to continue this transition towards clean transportation solutions–a transition that many automakers are already embracing. Meanwhile, consumers will have access to more options for cleaner, more efficient vehicles that are better for the environment and public health.
I want to raise my children in a world where they can breathe clean air, enjoy our natural wonders, and thrive in a healthy environment. By supporting the EPA’s limits on vehicle pollution, we can protect our families, safeguard our environment, and build a brighter future for generations to come.
I thank the Biden administration and EPA for prioritizing public health and embracing clean transportation solutions that reduce vehicle pollution here in Arizona and around the nation.
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