Union of Concerned Scientists

The EPA has now begun the process of evaluating the state's request to implement clean car standards for global warming pollution. This decision is not only key to state plans to curb global warming pollution, but also represents the first major national move on climate policy. The stakes of success could not be higher.

But this is not a done deal. Automakers such as General Motors and Chrysler are continuing their “spin and sue” efforts to undermine these vehicle pollution standards. Yes, that’s right. Even as the automakers get billions in taxpayer money, they continue to spend millions to sue us taxpayers and send their lobbyists to Capitol Hill to undermine steps that would produce cleaner cars and help curb global warming.

In the weeks leading up to the EPA’s decision on the clean car standards, we must pull out all the stops to ensure that sound science guides the administration, Congress, and state governments on this crucial issue. But we can’t intensify our efforts without your help. Please make a donation today.

In the coming weeks, UCS will ramp up our campaign to rein in global warming pollution from vehicles by:

Countering misleading automaker assertions that the technologies needed to meet clean car standards don’t exist or are not affordable with an update to our UCS Vanguard—a minivan blueprint developed by UCS engineers.

Educating members of Congress and the newly appointed Auto Task Force (set up to advise the administration on the financial viability of the automakers) about the technical feasibility and economic viability of cleaner, more efficient vehicles. UCS analysis has shown that bringing more efficient vehicle designs into automaker’s fleets would create jobs, provide savings at the pump, and help revitalize the industry.

Working in Florida, Illinois, and Minnesota—where attempts are underway to adopt clean car standards—to show how these new regulations will significantly cut global warming pollution in these states and save consumers money at the gas pump.

Flooding the EPA with letters from citizens urging them to allow states to implement clean car standards for global warming pollution. Strong state standards are key to ensuring that we can establish a sufficiently stringent national global warming pollution standard for cars and trucks.
UCS has proven time and again that we have the unique ability to combine independent scientific research and citizen action to secure policies that protect and improve our environment and security.

We have a huge opportunity here to reduce global warming pollution, provide consumers with the more fuel-efficient vehicle choices that they’ve been demanding, and help transform the auto industry into a key component of a clean energy economy.