Clean Car Act Letter to the Editor

The SJR published my letter to the editor about the Illinois Clean Car Act today. I was hoping they would publish it while the legislature was still in town but at least they used it.

Car makers hypocritical in fighting Clean Car Act

I recently saw another Ford hybrid commercial that brags about their commitment to researching new technologies that will reduce their vehicles’ negative impact on the environment.

Unfortunately, the same car companies that spend millions letting us know about their sparse efforts for the environment are also funding an expensive lobbying campaign in Springfield to defeat the Illinois Clean Car Act.

The Clean Car Act (HB 3424) would have Illinois join 13 other states that require auto manufacturers to further reduce vehicle emissions that contribute to respiratory problems, smog and global climate change. The achievable standards only require the use of existing technologies that have already been developed and applied.

Besides benefiting public health and the environment, the standards encourage improved mileage in vehicles that will help drivers save on gas beyond the minimum federal fuel economy requirements.

Research is important but it shouldn’t be cited as a tactic to delay the use of existing technologies. If car companies are as serious about protecting the environment as their TV advertisements and lobbyists claim, then they should end their hypocritical opposition to the Illinois Clean Car Act.

Now is the time to contact your state legislator and ask them to stand up to short-sighted special interests in the oil and auto industries.

Will Reynolds

Springfield