Matsui Criticizes EPA and NHTSA for Refusing to Serve in Same Panel as Leading Air Quality and Climate Change Expert
View Congresswoman Matsui's opening remarks here
WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, Congresswoman Doris Matsui, a senior Member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, criticized Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) officials for refusing to testify on the same Energy and Commerce panel as leading air quality and climate change expert Mary Nichols. Nichols has served as Chair of the California Air Resources Board for nearly 12 years under Democratic and Republican Administrations and has over 45 years of experience as an environmental attorney working to improve air quality.
Congresswoman Matsui is the author of H.R. 978, the Clean and Efficient Cars Act of 2019, which reverses the Trump Administration efforts to roll back the Obama-era Clean Car Rule. For a fact sheet on the bill, click here.
Congresswoman Matsui's opening remarks are below:
"Thank you, Madam Chair, and I want to thank you all for calling this important hearing on the Trump Administration's reckless efforts to roll back auto fuel and clean air standards. Let's be clear: The Trump Administration's actions hurt consumers, degrade our air quality, and contribute to climate change.
"This is also about American leadership. For decades, California has led the way in developing the gold standard for emissions. In my home state, we have long recognized the need for action. This has been particularly true under the exceptional leadership of Mary Nichols, Chair of the California Air Resources Board.
"As a key regulator and negotiator on climate change and air quality, Mary is an obvious choice for this hearing. We should hear all perspectives side by side, but that will not be the case today. Mr. Wehrum and Ms. King have denied us that opportunity by refusing to testify on the same panel. If EPA and NHTSA are so confident this rule is safer and better for our country, I think they would welcome the opportunity to testify alongside Ms. Nichols.
"Instead, when confronted by experts and science, the Trump Administration recoils and retreats, instead of defending the so-called "SAFE Vehicles rule" a disaster for our country.
"That's why we need to pass my bill, H.R. 978, the Clean and Efficient Cars Act, which would reverse the Trump Administration's attacks on forward-looking fuel efficiency and emission standards restoring Obama-era rules that protect consumers, the environment, and our public health. I'm pleased it enjoys broad support on the Energy and Commerce Committee with 24 members supporting the measure, and I'm hopeful we can move this bill forward.
"We owe it to the people we serve to ask the tough questions and shine a light on this disastrous rule. It is my sincere hope that we get answers about why the Administration is putting our economy"
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