September 20, 2019 | Statement from Governor Polis’s office
Governor Jared Polis and Attorney General Phil Weiser today announced that Colorado has joined a multistate lawsuit to challenge the federal government’s unlawful regulation to preempt the state’s Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) standards. These standards — authorized in 2013 by a waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and adopted by Colorado and 13 other states and the District of Columbia — are a key part of state efforts to protect public health and the environment. In the lawsuit, the coalition asserts that this Preemption Rule is unlawful and should be rescinded.
“We won’t let Washington DC bureaucrats and lawyers interfere with our plans to reduce smog and improve our health in Colorado. Rather than infringing upon state’s rights, the Trump administration should be working with us on solutions to an issue that has a long history of bipartisan consensus and industry support,” said Governor Polis. “My administration is working to ensure Colorado is focused on a transition to cleaner vehicles which promises benefits to consumers, our businesses, the health of our communities and our environment. Consumers, industry and the states are working together on common sense solutions to reduce smog. What part of cleaner air, more consumer choice and lower costs does the President disagree with?”
“By taking this unprecedented and unjustified action of revoking the waiver, the federal government is failing to respect states’ authority to protect the public health and environment when it comes to setting emissions standards from cars and trucks. Colorado has a bold plan to improve air quality, give customers more choice in the clean-vehicle market, and transition our state to a clean-energy economy. The largest automakers in the country support the state’s clean car standards as an appropriate response to climate change. I will continue to fight for clean air and Colorado’s right to protect its residents,” said Weiser.
Read more from Governor Jared Polis…
Colorado to challenge Trump administration decision ending states’ waiver for stricter vehicle-emissions
Colorado Sun | September 20, 2019
Colorado will challenge the Trump administration’s expected move Wednesday revoking the ability of states to enact vehicle-emissions standards that are tougher than what is mandated by the federal government.
The Environmental Protection Agency is slated to rescind a waiver granted to California under the Obama administration that allowed the state to create its own emissions rules. The decision has major implications for Colorado and more than 10 other states that have adopted California’s standards.
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said Tuesday night that the Trump administration’s move was an attack on the states’ rights and vowed to take action.