WILLIAMS TO ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY BOARD: LET’S MOVE FORWARD

 HARRISBURG, APRIL 12 – State Sen. Connie Williams wrote a letter to the state Environmental Quality Board urging the board to move forward with the implementation of the Clean Vehicles Program.

 In the letter she noted that Pennsylvania ranks among the worst states in the nation when it comes to air pollution.

 “In addition to environmental damage, air pollution harms public health by aggravating respiratory ailments,” Williams wrote. “Some of the worst sources of this pollution are cars and trucks. On behalf of the constituents in the 17^th Senatorial District, I write in favor of implementing the Clean Car Program in Pennsylvania and its clean air standards for new vehicles that would exceed weaker federal requirements.”

 Technology today allows cars and trucks to run cleaner and reduce pollution. Williams argued that these higher standards should be mandated for new vehicles sold in Pennsylvania. The new regulations are expected to reduce nitrogen oxide emissions by 9 percent, volatile compounds by as much as 12 percent, and have the long-term additional benefit of reducing emissions of toxics such as benzene.

 “Over time the Clean Vehicles Program standards will have significantly greater environmental impact than the federal standards,” Williams wrote.

 “Pennsylvania should take this opportunity to step up to the plate and do its part to protect not only the environment, but also the quality of air that we breathe,” Williams said. “Higher standards will mean healthier Pennsylvanians. I think most people will want to err on the side of higher air quality.”