News

Letter to the Editor: We Must Fight Against Clean Car Standard Rollbacks

On August 2, the Trump administration released a much-anticipated proposal to halt antipollution and fuel-efficiency standards for cars. Drexel University student and Defend Our Future intern Melody Wu wrote to Green Philly in response. 

Six years ago, the Obama Administration signed off on the clean car standards, regulation meant to reduce half of vehicular carbon emissions by 2025. Now, President Trump is intent on tearing down this regulation. The rollback of the Clean Car Standards under Trump and EPA’s Scott Pruitt (Editorial Note: Pruitt resigned on July 6) will cost Americans billions of dollars at the gas pump. Without these protections harmful carcinogens and greenhouse gases emitted from vehicles will increase exponentially.

Auto-manufacturers, laborers, environmentalists, and consumers alike support these safeguards. Despite this, Trump’s support for Big Oil’s interests remains unyielding. It is up to us to oppose the administration’s rollback of the clean car standards at hearings being held across the country, like the one held this week by Philadelphia Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and by submitting public comments. As an advocate and intern with Defend our Future, a non-partisan, student lead environmental organization, I strongly urge our Senators to stand up against the rollback of the Clean Car Standards to protect future generations. Only by standing up and talking to our representatives about these harmful climate policies can we make a positive difference for our future.

Melody Wu

Melody is an environmental engineering student at Drexel University. In the future, she hopes to work at the intersection of science and policy in order to fight global injustices. She works closely with Defend Our Future PA and 350's Fossil Free college campaigns.

Recent Posts

Illegal dumping consequences, EPA stops protecting environment, new dumpsters, & more

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  City ordinance to impound cars of illegal dumpers.…

5 days ago

Eco-Explainer: What is the Difference Between a Heat Advisory and a Heat Warning?

Feeling the heat? Learn how heat alerts can help you beat it and protect your…

6 days ago

How Erica Brown leads young people to “Sunrise” in the fight for climate justice

The Sunrise Philly Director shares her vision, challenges, and what keeps her going in the…

7 days ago

No more stopping in bike lanes, enviro groups sue over toxic chemical, and how public spaces contribute to thriving democracies

Catch up on the latest sustainability news:  Stopping in bike lanes now ticketed. PPA began…

2 weeks ago

Got to go? PHLASK helps you find public restrooms & water fountains in Philly

An app created to help users find drinking water in the city has expanded to…

2 weeks ago

A secret green space in the Delaware River? Meet Petty’s Island

Once home to oil refineries, this island is off-limit to (most) humans and now a…

2 weeks ago