WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Trump Administration’s plan to slash fuel efficiency and pollution standards for cars and light trucks will threaten air quality and public health — setbacks for the public when they are focused more than ever on public health. 

“At a time when Americans are rightfully concerned for their loved ones’ health and safety, the Trump Administration is again slashing environmental and public health protections when they think people are looking the other way,” said Shannon Heyck-Williams, director of climate and energy policy at the National Wildlife Federation. “All Americans benefit from improved fuel efficiency standards which create jobs in innovative clean vehicle manufacturing and cut climate and other air pollution that threatens wildlife and public health. The Trump Administration's cynical proposal to halt emissions standards during a public health crisis is a lose-lose proposition for public health, wildlife and economic growth.”

Critics of the plan like Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), ranking Democrat on the U.S. Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, are warning that the rollback could actually increase drivers’ annual fuel costs by $1,400.