EPA will set a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions that allows auto manufacturers to make cars that people both want and can afford - while still expanding environmental and safety benefits of newer cars.

The quote by Scott Pruitt highlights the EPA’s role in regulating greenhouse gas emissions while balancing consumer demand and economic considerations. Pruitt emphasizes that national standards should allow auto manufacturers to produce vehicles that are both desirable and affordable, ensuring that environmental regulations do not unduly restrict market innovation or consumer choice. This perspective frames environmental policy as a tool that can support both sustainability and economic viability.

Pruitt also stresses that the standards should promote the environmental and safety benefits of newer cars. By setting regulations that reduce emissions, the EPA helps protect air quality and mitigate climate change, while simultaneously encouraging technological improvements in vehicle safety and efficiency. This dual focus demonstrates the agency’s effort to integrate ecological protection with practical outcomes for industry and consumers.

The origin of this statement comes from Pruitt’s tenure as EPA Administrator, during which he prioritized balancing regulatory oversight with economic growth and industry flexibility. His approach often emphasized collaboration with manufacturers to ensure that environmental standards are achievable and aligned with market realities, rather than imposing overly rigid mandates.

Ultimately, the quote reflects a philosophy of pragmatic environmental regulation. By designing national standards that account for affordability, consumer preference, and safety, Pruitt advocates for a regulatory framework that advances sustainability without stifling innovation, ensuring that both the environment and the economy can benefit.