RENO, NV — Nevada Governor Steve Sisolak today announced plans to begin the process of adopting ‘Low Emission Vehicle’ (LEV) standards for the state. Recent analysis by Consumer Reports shows that Nevada consumers could save up to $3.9 billion if the state adopts LEV standards to help counteract the harm from weakened federal standards.
Consumer Reports said the standards would lower air pollution and fuel bills from cars, trucks and SUVs while still delivering the safety and performance consumers expect and deserve. Coming just weeks after Minnesota and New Mexico announced similar intentions, Nevada is poised to become the 17th state to choose strong vehicle emissions standards, and use state authority to protect consumers from the harmful effects of air pollution and high fuel bills.
Known as ‘Clean Car standards’, the LEV program is the best tool states have available to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions caused by passenger cars and light-duty trucks.
Consumer Reports’ manager of cars and energy policy, Shannon Baker-Branstetter, said, “Nevada, New Mexico and Minnesota are showing the leadership needed to protect consumers when the federal government lets people down.”
“Carmakers won’t deliver as many types of clean vehicles to Nevada unless consumers demand it. Adopting the LEV program would ensure that Nevadans have more, cleaner choices when they go to their local car dealership,” adds Baker-Branstetter
The decision by Nevada is part of a trend by states to protect consumers from anti-consumer actions taken at the federal level. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recently announced plans to weaken federal vehicle emissions standards and try to strip states of their authority to choose to keep the current strong standards. Those actions are now being challenged in court.