Senate Leader Atkins Lauds California’s Decision to Sue U.S. EPA Over Tailpipe Emissions

SACRAMENTO – Senate Leader Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) today reacted with the following statement to the announcement that California is leading a coalition of 17 states and the District of Columbia in suing the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to preserve states’ authority to pursue stronger emissions standards:

“The U.S. EPA has left California with no choice but to once again take the federal government to court in order to protect our state’s commitment to combating climate change through higher fuel-efficiency standards.

“The current administration seems intent on taking us in a direction that is adverse to our priorities on critical environmental issues. Fortunately, our legal system gives us the ability to say: No, we won’t go back.

“Adhering to higher standards allows California to reach our world-leading climate goals and sets a course for other states to follow. It saves consumers money and improves our air quality. I stand with Governor Brown and Attorney General Becerra in defense of California’s values.”

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