OFFICIALS LEGISLATION INTEREST GROUPS PUBLIC STATEMENTS COMMITTEES VETOES

Providing for Congressional Disapproval of the Rule Submitted By the Environmental Protection Agency Relating to ``Control of Air Pollution From New Motor Vehicles: Heavy-Duty Engine and Vehicle Standards''

Floor Speech

Date: May 23, 2023
Location: Washington, DC

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Ms. McCOLLUM. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to S.J. Res. 11, the latest Republican attack on clean air protections.

Heavy-duty vehicles make up approximately 6 percent of vehicles on the road but generate 59 percent of dangerous nitrogen oxide (NOX) pollution. This rule, issued in December 2022, is targeted at reducing the air quality impacts of heavy-duty engines beginning in Model Year 2027 and protecting clean air. Changing the standard for heavy-duty engines and vehicles is expected to reduce dangerous NOX pollution by nearly 50 percent by 2045. This rule was created with trucking, engine manufacturing, and other industry stakeholders and will be the first update to heavy-duty vehicle emission standards in 20 years.

Every American deserves access to clean air, yet approximately 72 million Americans are exposed to higher levels of air pollution due to their close proximity to high-traffic trucking routes. These Americans are more likely to be low-income and communities of color. It is estimated that the EPA's new rule will lower respiratory illness, cardiovascular problems, and cases of childhood and adult asthma caused by exposure to dangerous pollution. I am proud of the historic investments Democrats made last Congress to develop cleaner, zero- emission technologies that will protect public health. Passing S.J. Res. 11 would abandon the progress we have made to address public health concerns and promote environmental justice in our Nation's infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, not only will S.J. Res. 11 disproportionally harm children, the elderly, and communities of color, but it would block the Biden Administration, or any future administration, from taking meaningful action to curb dangerous NOX pollution from heavy-duty vehicles.

It should be rejected.

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