EVA was front and center in Savannah where Member Cory Hewett highlighted stories from Americans about how they can benefit from reduced tailpipe pollution from cars, light-duty cars, and cleaner air. Another key focus was how cities and towns are proactively working toward clean transportation initiatives. You can check it out on our Facebook page!

Alderman Nick Palumbo, Alderman Kurtis Purtee, Chatham County Commissioner Malinda Scott Hodge, and Cory celebrated historic new clean car standards finalized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These standards for light-duty vehicles are expected to significantly reduce carbon pollution from the transportation sector—the largest domestic source of climate change-driving emissions. Stronger pollution standards for cars and light-duty trucks are also a win-win for Georgia’s economy, consumers, and public health. With significant investments in EV manufacturing, including major investments by Hyundai and Rivian, Georgia is poised to become a hub for clean transportation technology. The transportation sector remains the leading domestic source of carbon pollution driving climate change. Speakers highlighted the economic, environmental, and public health benefits of advancing clean car standards for model years 2027-2032.

We are on a path to a zero-emission transportation future in Georgia and across the United States. Our momentum is being spurred on by historic federal investments in charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and tax incentives for consumers to make the transition to zero-emission vehicles. Another exciting and important step in our transition to clean transportation occurred on March 20, 2024, when the Environmental Protection Agency finalized its clean car standard rule that will reduce air pollution from cars and light-duty trucks and increase production of EVs and plug-in hybrids all while helping to address the growing climate crisis. These new strong clean car standards are critical for accelerating our journey on Route Zero.

Strong clean car standards will help eliminate tailpipe pollution that is fueling climate change, which in turn is driving a change in weather and contributing to more frequent and stronger storms that threaten not only our national parks, but the entire nation.