Congressman Brett Guthrie, Chairman of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Congressman Gary Palmer, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Environment, announced a hearing titled ‘Rules of the Road: Examining Legislation to Modernize the Clean Air Act’s Mobile Source Requirements’ scheduled for June 3 at 2:00 PM ET in Washington, D.C.
The hearing will address legislation related to the Clean Air Act’s mobile source requirements. Chairmen Guthrie and Palmer said, “The Clean Air Act regulates not just the cars we drive but also the trucks and trains that transport and deliver food, consumer products, and even the energy needed for our daily lives. Actions by the Biden-Harris Administration and states like California have taken away consumer choices and driven up costs to advance a radical environmental agenda instead of focusing on responsible environmental policies that complement lower costs and innovation. This hearing will provide the opportunity to examine how burdensome regulations that have led to higher costs and unnecessary red tape can be addressed while continuing to protect the air we breathe.”
The subcommittee will consider several bills including proposals addressing diesel emission fluid flexibility, engine idling restrictions for buses, state emissions authority, diesel emissions reduction, automobile retail sales choice, locomotive emissions standards, cold weather diesel reliability, fuel choice freedom, and snowstorm response.
Katherine Garcia, Director of Sierra Club’s Clean Transportation for All Campaign, provided written testimony emphasizing concerns about weakening Clean Air Act requirements. Garcia said her organization focuses on reducing harmful public health impacts from transportation while expanding equitable options. She said that legislative attempts to weaken these requirements would have severe consequences for Americans. According to Garcia’s testimony, “EPA estimated that over the last 50 years, the Clean Air Act has prevented at least 2.3 million premature deaths, 200,000 heart attacks and 17 million lost workdays.” She also discussed recent changes in federal policy affecting vehicle standards and fuel prices.
Garcia highlighted ongoing public health challenges related to air pollution exposure—especially among children—and noted support for reauthorizing programs such as the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act. She referenced recent EPA proposals regarding vehicle emissions standards as well as climate impacts linked to transportation sector emissions.
The hearing is open to both public attendance and press coverage, with livestreaming available online.
