(MADISON, WI) – Today, Wisconsin State Senator Melissa Agard and Dane County Supervisor Yogesh Chawla alongside public health professionals and environmental advocates, led a virtual press conference to urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to adopt stringent clean car standards, marking a significant step towards a zero-emission transportation future in Wisconsin.
Wisconsin, alongside the rest of the country, is accelerating towards a zero-emission transportation future, propelled by historic investments in charging infrastructure, battery manufacturing, and tax incentives encouraging a transition to electric vehicles. These investments are driving down the cost of EVs while helping to reduce carbon pollution that is fueling climate change. But, more needs to be done to address the climate crisis.
November 15th, marked the two year anniversary of President Biden signing the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law that is helping spur investments to electrify Wisconsin’s transportation system. Speakers called upon the Biden Administration and the EPA to accelerate our journey to Route Zero and finalize the strongest possible version of the draft standards to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from automobiles and light duty trucks.
State Senator Melissa Agard stressed the economic and consumer benefits of transitioning to clean transportation. “The path towards electric vehicles is not just an environmental imperative, it also means real savings for Wisconsinites. With the cost of EVs steadily dropping and with so many affordable options out there, our state is poised to become a leader in sustainable transportation by offering the infrastructure that our communities need,” Agard stated.
Dane County Supervisor and Chair Environment, Agriculture & Natural Resources Committee Yogesh Chawla highlighted the tangible benefits for rural Wisconsin drivers. “By transitioning from gasoline to electricity, rural drivers in Wisconsin can save an average of $635 on fuel,” said Chawla. “This is a substantial saving that underscores the importance of making clean vehicles accessible to all, regardless of where they live. We’re not going to leave any of our communities behind”
Dr. Richard Dart from Healthy Climate Wisconsin spoke on the public health implications of accelerating on the path to Route Zero. “In areas like Milwaukee County, we’ve seen asthma rates that are significantly higher than the statewide average. This underscores the urgency of reducing emissions to improve air quality,” Dr. Dart explained. “The shift to zero-emission vehicles is critical not just for our environment but for our health. Reducing emissions will lead to cleaner air, resulting in fewer health issues and a higher quality of life for Wisconsinites.”
Emma Heins, Policy Manager at the Electrification Coalition, emphasized the economic benefits of zero emissions transportation. “The economic implications of transitioning to electric vehicles are profound. As the upfront cost of EVs continues to decrease, we’re witnessing a pivotal moment where environmental sustainability intersects with economic growth,” said Heins. “Wisconsinites can stop worrying about pain at the gas pump, that’s going to make a real impact on household budgets. It’s a promising path forward for our economy and our planet, and that’s why we need the EPA to finalize these rules.”
Speakers collectively called for swift action from the EPA to implement these crucial clean car standards by the end of this year, thereby reinforcing Wisconsin’s longtime commitment to a greener and healthier future.
