STATEMENT: CLIMATE MAYORS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RESPONDS TO SENATE MOVE ROLLING BACK CALIFORNIA’S CLEAN-AIR WAIVERS ‘A MAJOR STEP BACKWARDS.’
Washington, DC (May 22, 2025) – In response to today’s Senate vote to eliminate California’s ability to set its own clean air and emissions standards – denying a right that has been granted by the federal government to states and local governments for nearly 50 years – Climate Mayors Executive Director Kate Wright issued the following statement:
“Today’s move by the Senate to eliminate California’s authority to establish pollution standards for cars through clean air waivers is a major step backwards for cleaner air, American innovation and global competitiveness, and a threat to state and local authority. Thanks to these waivers, California gave states and local governments across the country a blueprint for how to create a booming economy that is lowering fuel costs and boosting access to good-paying jobs while making sure people had the right to clean air free from cancer-causing pollutants.
“State and local leaders are uniquely positioned to understand and respond to the needs of their community members. Efforts to undermine their ability to act will only hurt consumers and harm public health. Our mayors know that health comes first and have seen the economic benefits that an electric vehicle transition can bring. From manufacturing jobs to lower costs, our cities are poised to continue this progress and take steps towards a healthier and more prosperous future.”
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About Climate Mayors
Climate Mayors is a bipartisan network of nearly 350 mayors, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities since 2014. Representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, Climate Mayors reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on X, Bluesky, and LinkedIn.
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