State Level Implications of Pruitt's Vehicle Emissions Rollback

Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt’s attempt to roll back federal vehicle emissions and efficiency standards threatens to drag the auto industry backwards. Before 2008, lax rules encouraged automakers to produce oversized, gas‑guzzling vehicles and the United States lagged competitors on fuel economy. Strong national standards subsequently pushed manufacturers to innovate, reduce pollution and create thousands of jobs.

Now Pruitt wants to undo that progress and revoke the Clean Air Act waiver that allows California and a dozen other states, including Pennsylvania, to adopt more protective standards. Losing the waiver would prevent Pennsylvania from enforcing low‑emission and zero‑emission vehicle requirements that are crucial for cutting carbon pollution and protecting public health.

Pennsylvania should not follow Pruitt down this path. We need to retain the authority to set stronger rules, keep encouraging electric and fuel‑efficient cars, and demand a modern transportation system that supports workers, consumers and the climate.