95 Groups Unite to Defend Clean Air Standards Against Congressional Override Attempts

A coalition of 95 organizations has come together to oppose four Congressional Review Act resolutions that threaten to dismantle Clean Air Act waivers. These waivers, which have been in place for decades, give states the authority to enforce stricter vehicle emission limits than federal requirements, covering passenger cars, light trucks, and small off-road equipment.

The groups argue that overturning these protections would not only worsen air quality but also jeopardize public health gains achieved over the years. They emphasize that states rely on these waivers to address local pollution challenges effectively, and removing them would undermine state-led innovation in environmental regulation.

Supporters of the resolutions claim they aim to reduce regulatory burdens, but the coalition warns that the true cost would be felt in increased respiratory illnesses and environmental degradation. They urge lawmakers to prioritize evidence-based policy and reject measures that could set back progress in combating air pollution.

The coalition’s call highlights a broader debate about federal versus state authority in environmental protection, with significant implications for the future of clean vehicle standards in the U.S.