Lung Association Urges EPA to Quickly Finalize Proposed Cleaner Cars Standards to Improve Air Quality and Health

Today, the American Lung Association joined 12 national health and medical organizations in submitting comments to urge the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to quickly finalize stricter emissions standards for cars. If the agency finalizes strong limits on tailpipe emissions from new cars, the nation could see a healthier future with two-thirds of new passenger vehicles zero-emission by 2032. The Lung Association also delivered comments from more than 1,300 members of the public–including more than 300 health professionals–in support of the proposed rule. 

The Lung Association’s recent “Driving to Clean Air” report highlights that a widespread transition to zero-emission passenger vehicles and electricity would dramatically improve health. In fact, the transition would result in up to 89,300 fewer deaths and $978 billion in public health benefits across the United States by 2050.

“This EPA proposal is a crucial step to address climate change and reduce air pollution, including particulate matter, to improve the air that everyone breathes. The American Lung Association supports this rule and other efforts that help transition the transportation sector to zero-emission,” said Harold Wimmer, National President and CEO of the American Lung Association. “The widespread and rapid shift to zero-emission transportation is vital to improving lung health and saving lives. Everyone deserves to breathe clean and healthy air, and we applaud EPA for taking bold steps to clean up air pollution from cars. We now urge the agency to quickly finalize the rule before the end of the year.”

Comments submitted to EPA include:

• National Health Organizational Comments 
• Public Petition (including health professionals and the general public)