VIRGINIA BEACH — Who wins if automakers are allowed to produce automobiles with weakened emission standards and lower miles-per-gallon ratings, and states are given no option to set their own, tougher standards?
There’s only one answer, according to environmental groups, and it’s pretty clear who wins: Big oil.
Air quality and public health however will take a big hit from the roll-backs planned by Trump Administration, according to environmental groups and others.
Tuesday morning, residents who are concerned about the planned roll-back of auto emission standards will have the opportunity to learn what the clean standards are, how they save Virginia families money, and how they help to protect public health.
A few months ago the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration announced a joint ruling that would undo tougher standards implemented in 2012 by the Obama Administration.
“Rolling back the clean car standards will make our air more polluted and will force drivers into dirtier, less-efficient vehicles that are more expensive to drive,” said Sue Kanz, president of Solar Services, Inc., a Virginia Beach-based company that deals in solar energy systems.
“Tearing down successful and achievable climate change and air pollution protections endangers everyone, and slashing money-saving standards just as gas prices remain high amounts to a direct attack on families who can’t afford to pay more at the pump,” Kanz said.
The event will begin at 10 a.m., at Solar Services, 877 Seahawk Circle, No. 101.
Speakers will include Virginia Beach Councilman Ben Davenport, Norfolk City Councilwoman Andria McClellan, Dr. Richard Hatch, Kanz, and Bekura Shabazz and her son Anton Richardson Jr.
The event is free and open to the public.
