WASHINGTON, DC (November 30, 2016) Following today’s release of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed determination on light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas standards, the BlueGreen Alliance released the following statement from Executive Director Kim Glas:

“We welcome today’s proposed determination by the EPA reaffirming 2012’s car, SUV, and pickup truck standards for model years 2022-2025. These smartly structured standards—along with key manufacturing policies that encourage investment in American factories—have played a central role in the dramatic recovery of the auto industry, in improving global competitiveness, and spurring manufacturing job growth. At a time when the nation is focused on how to create and maintain good manufacturing jobs, these standards are working.

“Innovative new cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks are being built under these standards and are saving consumers billions, enhancing America’s energy security, and combating climate change. Today we are seeing unprecedented levels of automotive investment and innovation, and hundreds of thousands of Americans are employed building new more fuel efficient technologies. There are nearly 1 million Americans directly employed in auto and component manufacturing factories across the country and the 300,000 auto manufacturing jobs added since the recession are anchoring a gradual recovery in U.S. manufacturing as a whole.

“The strength of our nation depends on finding smart solutions to address climate change in ways that grow the U.S. economy while creating family-sustaining jobs. Today’s announcement is a another step forward to realizing this vision while building the technology of today and tomorrow in America.”