Attorney General Phil Weiser applauds restoration of Colorado’s legal authority to adopt Clean Car Standards

March 9, 2022 (DENVER)— Attorney General Phil Weiser today released the following statement regarding the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to restore the waiver under the federal Clean Air Act that allows states to adopt vehicle emissions standards that exceed federal standards:

“For the last three years, we fought in court to restore Colorado’s authority under the Clean Air Act to adopt vehicle emissions standards that are stronger than those of the federal government. The restoration of this authority corrects a misguided and illegal action by the federal government to pre-empt Colorado’s low- and zero-emission vehicle standards. These standards are needed to reduce air pollution, protect public health, and address the harmful effects of climate change.

“Colorado needs flexibility to protect our outdoors and our air quality—today’s decision allows our state to do just that and respects the Clean Air Act’s commitment to federalism. Now, Colorado can continue with our Low- and Zero-Emission Vehicle Program with regulatory certainty, which will improve air quality, give customers more choice when purchasing an electric vehicle, and transition our state to a clean energy economy.”

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