WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) released the following statement after the announcement of the new Clean Cars Minnesota program.

“Climate change poses a growing threat to our state, country and planet, and we must take proactive and innovative steps to invest in clean energy to protect our future. Inaction is not an option for our economy or our environment. Governor Walz’s announcement that the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency will begin the process of adopting California’s clean car standards is an important step toward not only reducing greenhouse gas pollution, but also helping consumers save money on gas, providing more electric options, and decreasing our nation’s dependence on foreign oil.

“Our state has always taken a proactive approach to energy use and sustainability, including adopting one of the first renewable energy standards in the country which required 25 percent of our electricity to come from renewable sources by 2025. We will now join a group of states in leading the way to adopt stronger standards for low emissions and zero emissions vehicles. At a time when the Administration is attempting to roll back rules that help drive the manufacture of more fuel-efficient cars and trucks and revoke California’s ability to enforce stronger standards under the Clean Air Act, states must continue to do more, not less, to provide reliable, clean, low-cost energy for all American consumers. Minnesota’s adoption of the clean car standards is a great step forward in that effort.” 

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