Matsui Calls Out Trump Administration for Weaponizing DOJ in Pursuit of Lower Air Quality and Fuel Economy Standards

WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui (D-CA), author of the Clean and Efficient Cars Act and senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, calls out the Trump Administration and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for their decision to open a questionable probe in Ford, Honda, BMW, and Volkswagen. These latest actions come on the heels of California working with automakers on an agreement to limit air pollution and improve public health.

"The Trump Administration is yet again abusing the power of the federal government to push an agenda that damages our environment and public health. This investigation is a political witch hunt that proves California's efforts to reach an air quality deal with automakers is working, and President Trump can't stand it," said Congresswoman Matsui. "For us to reach a fuel economy and air quality deal that balances our public health, economic, and environmental needs, we all need to work together. From the onset, the State of California has done that by being a good-faith negotiator and willing to compromise, but unfortunately, the federal government has not. The Trump Administration would rather splinter the U.S. auto market than compromise and enforce a clean air and fuel economy standard that protects the American people. Their actions will cost us jobs, exacerbate climate change, and it will further endanger the health and well-being of our communities. We cannot allow this to stand. That's why I will work with my colleagues to investigate the decision to weaponize the DOJ, block Trump's dirty car rule from going into effect, and protect California's right to regulate its own air quality."

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