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Breaking News from America's Progressive Community... 1999
Releases
The press releases posted here have been provided to NewsCenter by the one of the many progressive organizations we have selected to participate. If you would like more information about this press release, you should contact the organization directly. |
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| FEBRUARY
8, 1999 9:01 AM FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Clean Air Trust Frank O'Donnell 202-785-9625 |
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| Health, Environmental Leaders Challenge Ford on Vehicle Clean-Air Standards | ||||
| WASHINGTON
- February 8 - Leaders from a dozen major health and environmental groups have thrown down
a challenge to Ford Motor Co. chairman William Clay Ford, Jr.
The groups, including the American Lung Association, U.S. Public Interest Research Group and the Sierra Club, have challenged Ford to "live up to" his words and support upcoming federal efforts to set tough new clean air standards for cars, sport utility vehicles and other light trucks. In a letter to Ford, the health and environmental leaders noted they were "encouraged" by recent environmental steps Ford Motor Co. had taken and by pro-environmental comments made by Ford himself. "Now we would like to see Ford live up to those words as we enter the 21st century. We challenge you to demonstrate that American ingenuity can produce motor vehicles that are both clean and popular with consumers," the groups said. Specifically, the groups urged Ford to endorse possible new federal tailpipe standards modeled on tough new standards recently set in California. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is expected soon to propose so-called "Tier 2" motor vehicle standards. Health and environmental groups have urged EPA to set national standards similar to those in California. Under the new California standards, future cars would be approximately 90 percent cleaner than the typical car sold in the U.S. today. In addition, the California standards close the "SUV loophole," which allows sport utility vehicles, light trucks and minivans to emit up to three-to-four times more pollution than a car. "You have given us hope that Ford can rise to this challenge," the groups said. They asked to meet with the Ford chairman "at your earliest convenience to discuss this critical public health issue." A full text of the letter is available by calling 202-785-9625. -0- |
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