This summer, millions of Americans will be using their cars for more than just transporting their vehicles to school or work. They’ll be traveling far from home, exploring the beauty of America’s great outdoors, and making special memories with family and friends (apart from fighting over playlists and snacks).
Nothing beats the excitement of driving on the open road.According to the surveySeventy-five percent of American adults are planning to take a road trip this summer, including 85 percent of Americans between the ages of 45 and 60.
As a kid, my favorite road trip destination was Lost Lake in Oregon, a crystal clear oasis surrounded by old-growth forest and with stunning views of Mount Hood. But as climate change intensifies, it’s not surprising to wonder whether future generations will be able to enjoy this great tradition of America’s great road trip.
In recent years, the iconic coastal highway eroded by storm, The road melts Extreme heat and tragic driver incident Drowning in the carThey were isolated by flooding caused by torrential rains.
The United States A major breakthrough Progress made in recent years in addressing the climate crisis could be reversed if Congress repeals the Environmental Protection Agency’s “clean car” rules.
of New EPA Regulations The rule, announced in March, paves the way for a future in which clean cars will benefit millions of people by reducing global warming exhaust and harmful pollution. It will also save drivers billions of dollars in fuel costs. If we want to preserve the American tradition of touring our national parks and towns every summer, we must keep the clean car rule.
The EPA Quote If the latest regulations are implemented, particulate pollution from an average car will 95 percent Compared to current standards, this won’t just mean clearer skies for our journeys, it could also prevent up to 2,500 premature deaths and reduce heart attacks and asthma by 2055.
Once fully implemented, the rule is expected to encourage more fuel-efficient vehicles and save Americans $6,000 over the lifetime of each new car or light truck — money that can be spent not on gas but on park tickets, restaurants and memories.
That is why,HouseandSenateThey may soon vote on a resolution to pass a congressional review bill to overturn the EPA’s latest clean car and truck regulations.
To date, state and federal clean car standards have been a great American success story. Elected members of both parties have worked together to achieve the health and economic benefits of the American people. In 1975, President Gerald FordEnergy Policy and Conservation LawPresident George W. Bush stepped upIn 2007Over the last 50 years, the average fuel economy of new cars has more than doubled.13.1 to 33.3 miles per gallonIn 2022, it will take $1000 to save an American life.2 trillion gallonsOf gasoline.
President Bush was right when he said clean car standards would help America.“Stronger, cleaner, safer.”Why would Congress want to throw all that away?
The kids struggling in the back seat this summer will only be learning to drive in a few years. If new EPA standards are implemented as scheduled for 2027 model-year vehicles, they will be behind the wheel of the cleanest, most efficient cars ever. Many won’t even need gasoline at all. My used electric car has taken us to Shenandoah National Park, West Virginia, and Assateague Beach without a single pollution-free tailpipe.
We have a choice: give our next generation a future of clear skies and a livable planet that they can explore with their kids, or burden them with continued pollution and high gas prices. The Biden Administration is working hard for a brighter future, with investments in EV charging, electric school buses, EV tax credits, and now EPA standards. This is what climate science demands and what our kids deserve.
Today, our“Kick it on Route 66”A bright future without dirty tailpipes — all while maintaining healthy air to breathe and a livable climate — is within reach, so long as we stay on the map and don’t take any reckless detours.
Lisa Frank isEnvironmental Americais a national network of environmental organizations from 30 states working together for clean air, clean water, clean energy, wildlife and open space, and a livable climate.
