The de Blasio Administration today filed a joint lawsuit opposing the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) attempt to revoke the portions of a waiver it granted California in 2013 that it permit the state to implement stricter greenhouse gas and zero emission vehicle standards. The action, filed in the D.C. Circuit by a coalition led by California Attorney General Xavier Becerra, is part of the coalition’s ongoing fight to protect California’s Advanced Clean Car Standards.
These standards are followed, in whole or in part, by 13 other states, including New York State. They are a key part of local government efforts to protect their residents from the devastating effects of climate change.
“The Trump Administration’s attempts to roll back emissions standards will be a disaster for our environment, hasten the impact of global warming, and endanger the health of New Yorkers,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “New York City is leading the way in the fight against global warming by enacting our Green New Deal and ending greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. We’ve consistently beaten the Trump Administration’s disastrous policies in court, and for the sake of the health and environment of all New Yorkers, we look forward to doing it again.”
“Global warming causes heat waves, rising sea levels, and droughts, which harm the most vulnerable individuals in our communities including the elderly and children,” said Corporation Counsel James E. Johnson. “EPA moves us backwards when it seeks to revoke an initiative that has supported the City’s efforts to reduce emissions and encourage the development of clean air technologies. We have a duty to join this nationwide coalition to oppose EPA’s latest effort to roll back yet another environmental protection.”
New York City joined the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia; as well as the cities of Los Angeles, and San Francisco in today’s filing.
“The Trump administration continues to undermine the work, small and large, that is necessary to confront our climate crisis,” said Daniel Zarrilli, NYC’s Chief Climate Policy Advisor and OneNYC Director. “Here in New York City, we will continue to fight back against these reckless actions as we invest in the climate solutions that are allowing us to end our reliance on fossil fuels and pursue a just transition to a clean energy economy.”
“All across our country, residents and their local representatives alike are rising to the occasion and confronting the climate crisis with policy, innovation and grit,” said Mark Chambers, Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Sustainability. “New York City will continue to confront the Trump Administration and protect the needed progress we’re making to ensure future generations have a chance to thrive.”
“With the Trump Environmental Protection Agency’s ongoing war against clean air, it’s important we stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our fellow cities and states,” said Council Member Costa Constantinides, Chair of the Committee on Environmental Protection. “Clean air is a fundamental human right that shouldn’t be taken away for the appeasement of special interest. In New York City, where we were able to pass a Green New Deal, we remain committed to fighting pollution, climate change, and all those standing in the way of a more sustainable future.”
“The Trump Administration has been very vocal with their stance on climate change. It is time for us to fight back and denounce their negligence and unwillingness to act for climate justice,” said Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, Chair of the Committee on Transportation. “We know that climate change impacts poor and underserved communities at higher levels. Many areas of Washington Heights and the South Bronx have some of the highest asthma rates in the country. We must hold Trump’s EPA accountable and oppose its latest efforts to roll back emissions standards.”
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