WASHINGTON (February 19, 2021)—The Virginia legislature has passed a bill adopting strong standards for vehicle emissions, joining a growing number of states in requiring automakers to deliver cleaner cars every year. That’s a positive development that will help reduce the risk of climate change and cut costs for drivers, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS).
Below is a statement by Michelle Robinson, director of the Clean Transportation Program at UCS.
“The future of transportation is clean. When drivers can drive cleaner vehicles—including electric vehicles—they save money at the gas pump, and reduce the emissions that endanger our climate. We need strong policies in place to make sure everyone can benefit from cleaner vehicle technology. With today’s vote, Virginia’s legislators show that they understand the need for policies that can help accelerate these innovative technologies.
“Transportation is the largest source of global warming emissions in the U.S., and Virginia has taken a meaningful step towards reining in these emissions. A stronger clean-vehicle market will drive down costs for consumers in addition to reducing pollution from vehicles in communities across the state. We applaud Virginia for working to build a cleaner transportation future.”