Sacramento, CA – Senator Ben Allen (D – Santa Monica), Chair of the California State Senate's Committee on Environmental Quality, released the following statement today:

"I was shocked and dismayed by the President's decision to follow through on his threats to revoke a decades-old rule that allows California to set tougher car emissions standards than those set by the federal government.  Our state’s special status under the Clean Air Act has enabled us to combat previously stifling air pollution and protect public health. This special status and role has been respected by federal Republican and Democratic administrations alike. 

"This decision by the administration is unprecedented and outrageous.  Our legislature stands united with Governor Newsom and Attorney General Becerra in our commitment to combat this assault on California's autonomy and its longstanding leadership role in setting higher clean air standards.  Our collective work has led to dramatic smog reductions in my hometown of Los Angeles, and has pushed the automobile industry to produce cleaner cars that have benefited everyone.  Clean air is a right and we will fight against all attempts to roll back the progress we have worked so hard for." 

Contact:  David Bocarsly, (310) 318-6994, david.bocarsly@sen.ca.gov

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Ben Allen represents the 26th State Senate District. which consists of the Hollywood, Westside, and South Bay communities of Los Angeles County.  He is co-chair of the California state legislature's Environmental Caucus.  The Environmental Quality Committee that he chairs oversees statewide policy on climate change, air pollution, toxins, and automobile emissions.