    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: WILLIAM J. CLINTON (2000, Book I)]
    [May 17, 2000]
    [Page 954]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    Statement on the Environmental Protection Agency Proposal To Reduce
    Emissions From Trucks and Buses
    May 17, 2000

        The measures proposed today by the Environmental Protection Agency
    to reduce harmful emissions from trucks and buses represent another
    major milestone in this administration's long-standing effort to ensure
    cleaner, healthier air for all Americans.
        Air pollution has declined dramatically over the past quarter
    century, but stronger action is needed to protect public health and keep
    us on track to meeting our Nation's air quality goals. That is why last
    year I announced tough new tailpipe and fuel standards to dramatically
    reduce emissions from cars, SUV's, and other light-duty trucks. Today's
    proposal would establish stringent new standards for heavy-duty trucks
    and buses and the diesel fuel that powers them. These proposed standards
    would produce the cleanest trucks and buses ever, significantly reducing
    smog, soot, and other pollutants that contribute to asthma and other
    respiratory disease.
        Americans today enjoy the cleanest environment in a generation and
    the longest economic expansion in our Nation's history. I am confident
    that today's proposal--which will be refined in the coming months with
    input from the public, industry, and the environmental community--will
    produce even greater benefits for both our economy and our environment.