Clean cars letter

I thought the SJR decided not to publish my letter to the editor but it showed up today.

Last year, George Bush blocked 14 states from enacting tougher auto emissions standards that would improve fuel economy and reduce pollutants. It was a political delaying tactic done in defiance of recommendations made by Environmental Protection Agency experts. I was happy to see President Obama direct the EPA to reconsider that decision on Monday. It’s good to see science and the public interest being taken seriously by our president again.

Also last year, the Illinois General Assembly failed to take action on the Clean Car Act, which would have our state join the 14 others adopting improved standards. Now that the road is clear at the federal level, it’s time for Illinois lawmakers to reconsider the importance of reducing oil consumption and pollutants from vehicles.

The price of gas is lower for the time being, but our long-term energy and transportation problems have not gone away. There’s no shortage of alternative solutions. The technology to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions already exists. Many cars on the road today meet the higher standards of the Clean Car Act, including some with conventional engines, hybrids, and E85 vehicles. We only lack more political leaders who are willing to take bold action to stop Detroit automakers from repeating the same mistakes all over again.