Last Monday, Pres. Barack Obama directed U.S. EPA to reconsider its block on 14 states' efforts to implement stronger standards for automobile tailpipe pollution.
The president's directive is a clear repudiation of an obstructionist,
unscientific Bush administration policy and underlines the urgency of
increasing energy security and combating global warming. Just as
importantly, Pres. Obama has sent a strong signal of support for more
aggressive state clean-car standards, which would cut pollution by up
to 30 percent more than existing federal standards.
With Pres. Obama clearing the way for states to move forward, Illinois
legislators should implement his vision by passing the Illinois Clean
Cars Act. Sponsored by Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) and Sen. Terry Link (D-Waukegan), the Illinois Clean Cars Act would make the president's home state the nation's 15th Clean Car state.
The Illinois Clean Cars Act would improve our economy by saving the
average Illinois family hundreds of dollars per year at the gas pump.
It would also enhance national security by decreasing our dependence on
foreign oil, help fight global warming, and protect public health by
cutting soot, smog, and cancer-causing air toxics.
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New Energy Future In The NewsChicago Tribune - 2009-02-03
Pass the Illinois Clean Cars Act (new window)
Illinois citizens agree. In a May 2008 poll, nearly 89 percent of
surveyed Illinoisans said they support the Illinois Clean Cars Act. |