The Environmental Protection Agency’s proposed pollution standards for cars and trucks are raising some eyebrows, particularly as it relates to timelines. Jason Marion is an environmental health science professor at Eastern Kentucky University. Marion said connecting all the dots in the report to gauge feasibility is important and there is a need for additional research. But, he said the clock continues to tick.
“But, boy the agency needs to have their foot on the accelerator on this because the climate change issue is also not going away. So, there’s a lot of challenges that we’ve ignored for a long time. So, that’s why these challenges exist and are so numerous,” said Marion.
Marion said the EPA is trying to move forward in a very swift way to address an immediate threat to everyone.
In addition to the focus on reducing greenhouse gases as it relates to climate change, Marion noted health impacts can be significant. He added these adverse health factors can affect lower-income communities disproportionately.
And an escalating movement toward electric vehicles also brings the risk of leaving low-income citizens behind.
“You know it’s like apartment complexes are bringing in chargers and things like that. Well, everyone knows some folks that live in apartment complexes where maybe they can’t even get regular electric fixed in their apartment. You think they're gonna get these things unless there’s some sort of significant financial incentives,” said Marion.
Marion said these same low-income communities can face higher health risks from diesel-operated trucks. He said the proposed EPA pollution standards will undergo a review with opportunities for public comment as well as participation from governmental and industry interests.
