Statement: Climate Mayors Condemn Reversal of the Historic Chevron vs. NRDC Ruling - A Major Setback For Environmental Protections

Washington, DC (June 24, 2024) – Today, the conservative supermajority on the Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 to reverse the Chevron v. Natural Resources Defense Council ruling – one of the most cited judgements in American law. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency have unique technical expertise to inform, carefully consider, and interpret ambiguous laws to protect public health and the environment. This reversal of the Chevron doctrine shifts these regulatory powers back to federal judges who do not have the technical, scientific, medical, or other types of expertise to make thorough rulings. 

The impact of this decision could mean the reversal of hundreds of rules that protect air and water pollution, protect people from toxic chemicals, and lessen the worsening impacts of the climate crisis.

In response, Climate Mayors issued the following statement:

“Climate Mayors wholeheartedly condemns this decision as it will upend 40 years of precedence and risk climate and environmental progress during a time where our nation should be making informed decisions to avoid the worst impacts of the climate crisis and environmental degradation. Not only does this decision put millions of Americans at risk of dangerous rollbacks to environmental protections, it also undermines the expertise of federal agencies that were established to protect the health of people and the planet.

“Despite this judicial setback, Climate Mayors is proud to be represented by local leaders who are committed to continuing to seek out expertise in decision making and driving cities toward a clean, healthy and climate safe future. Mayors will continue to do everything possible to deliver healthy air to breathe, water to drink, and a thriving green economy to support families and businesses.”

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About Climate Mayors:

Climate mayors is a bipartisan network that has mobilized more than 750 U.S. mayors since 2014, demonstrating climate leadership through meaningful actions in their communities. representing 46 states and nearly 60 million Americans, the climate mayors coalition reflects U.S. cities’ commitment to climate progress. For more information, please visit our website and follow Climate Mayors on Twitter and LinkedIn. For media inquiries please contact climatemayors@fgsglobal.com. Media Contact: climatemayors@fgsglobal.com 

Statement: Climate Mayors and C40 Cities Support Another Step Forward in Decarbonizing the Transportation Sector with the Finalization of EPA’s Light-Duty Vehicle Standards

March 20, 2024 – Today, on the road to a zero-emission transportation future, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) adopted a final rule for Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles (LDV). We thank the EPA and the Biden Administration for this final rule and continuing to cut pollution from the transportation sector. Climate Mayors and C40 Cities look forward to continuing to work with the Administration to push for ambitious carbon reductions from transportation in cities while also providing low-cost mobility options and ensuring strong labor and job markets for residents.

The transportation sector accounts for 29% of GHG emissions nationally. This makes the transition to clean, zero-emission vehicles critical to achieving our climate and air quality goals —particularly for the wellbeing of low-income communities and communities of color who historically bear a disproportionate burden from harmful air pollution. EPA’s final standards will strengthen federal greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for passenger cars, reducing air pollutants, helping residents save on fuel and maintenance costs, and improving public health.

Local leaders have long been at the center of delivering innovative solutions to lower transportation emissions in their cities. Last year, 66 U.S. mayors and other local officials sent a letter to EPA Administrator Regan urging more stringent standards for both Light-Duty and Heavy-Duty Vehicles. While these final LDV standards are vital to cutting pollution and cleaning up our air, more will need to be done to achieve our shared climate goals.

As we await a strong final rule on GHG Emissions Standards for Heavy-Duty Vehicles that many of our members called for in February, we are excited to see the final LDV standards and know cities will continue to lead on implementing smart and equitable climate solutions.

“The EPA standards are a step in the right direction toward achieving progress in the green transition and improving air quality in communities,” said Kate Wright, Climate Mayors’ Executive Director. “Many cities are taking ambitious steps toward decarbonizing our transportation systems, and with support from the Biden Administration, we can continue to build on crucial local momentum and deliver for generations to come.”

“Mayors across the United States are implementing exciting projects to cut transportation pollution, create jobs, and protect the health and safety of their residents,” said Kate Johnson, Head of US Federal Affairs at C40 Cities. “The EPA's new rule will accelerate the transition to clean, zero-emissions vehicles in every city, and provide critical national support for the local action that will create stronger and healthier communities for all.”