Minnesota should be a leader, not a laggard
by Fresh EnergyBy Carin Skoog, global warming solutions coordinator, Fresh Energy
One of the most promising recommendations from Governor Pawlenty’s Climate Change Advisory Group, adopting the Clean Cars standards would result in significant reductions in asthma-causing smog and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming, and would save consumers money and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Fourteen states have already adopted these more protective state-based vehicle emissions standards, and Minnesota should add its voice the pressure being put on automakers to deliver the cleaner, more efficient cars and trucks we all want to drive.
Unfortunately many Minnesota lawmakers want to punt this policy priority to the federal government. Preliminary conversations about the potential of a national standard for vehicle emissions are reported to be underway, but there is no clear commitment or timeline for decisive action. In addition, the EPA and White House continue to signal that regardless of a possible national standard, they still support upholding the rights of states to move farther and faster on regulating vehicle emissions. States like Minnesota can help the process by adopting Clean Cars standards and keeping the pressure on EPA at the national level.
Clean Cars on the airwaves
As the legislative session progresses, Clean Cars advocates have found yet another avenue for getting the message out about this important global warming solution. Check out the new radio ad that was heard on greater Minnesota news stations over the past week!
Three easy ways to take action!
- Sign the petition in support of Clean Cars, and forward the link to all your friends and neighbors!
- Contact your state senator and representative and tell them you support the Clean Cars standards! You can call their office, send an e-mail, or better yet send a handwritten note.
- Send a letter to the editor to your local paper, urging support for requiring cleaner cars and trucks. Tell them why you support reducing pollution with the added benefit of saving Minnesotans money!
