Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018 | 2 a.m.
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For years, we’ve been hearing about the importance and value of better gas mileage: It helps consumers at the pump, reduces our reliance on foreign oil imports, and protects our air quality — and it’s worked. California is a great case study. Smog alerts in LA and other areas used to be a regular event.
We know that tail-pipe exhaust is another major contributor to greenhouse gasses; and that it affects climate change and our health. Since adopting stricter rules there in 2002, California’s air quality has significantly improved.
The Trump administration is denying science and opted to roll back these protections. Their reasons? In 2011, deals were made with both U.S. and foreign carmakers to increase efficiency to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
Now, carmakers say this is too onerous. They can do it, though. They’re just putting their money into excessive electronics, promoting the wrong bling.
Our health, our environment, and breaking our addiction to petroleum should be the top priority. I’m glad to see California standing up for what’s right. Nevadans should, too.
