A labor-environmental partnership in the state argues that rolling back the standards would be bad for workers and communities in Ohio. Lee Geiss (ga-ICE) is the Regional Program Manager for the BlueGreen Alliance in Ohio. She says that nearly 28,000 workers in Ohio are making the components and materials needed to make cars, trucks, and SUVs more fuel efficient than ever.

GEISSE: “Weakening fuel economy standards hits the brakes on American innovation and endangers jobs. We’ve seen billions of dollars of investment and thousands of jobs in Ohio ensuring any vehicle you choose to buy gets world-class efficiency. There are many hard-working men and women who not only build these vehicles but are proud owners of them, as well. ” (:24) Download MP3.

Automakers have made or promised at least $10 billion in investments in 17 facilities in Ohio since 2008. Geisse says a significant portion of that investment represents added and enhanced investment in innovative products and manufacturing processes made to meet the nation’s commonsense fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards.

The EPA will be taking input on the proposed changes over the coming weeks.