Climate advocates welcome new automobile standards

Leaders in Michigan are marking the new clean car standards finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The final rule, Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, was announced in March. Climate advocates are celebrating the move as a positive step in the fight against climate change.

State Representative Jasper Martus, a Democrat from Flushing, says many people think of climate change and creating good jobs as two separate issues, but he believes the two go hand-in-hand.

“When we pursue policies that combat climate change, such as investing in electric vehicles, having higher standards for the vehicles that are produced here in Michigan and in the United States, we can do it in such a way that creates good paying jobs,” Martus said.

The new standards will phase in over model years 2027 through 2032. Martus says in addition to creating new jobs, the transition to electric vehicles will also decrease pain at the pump.