A major event took place this morning on the White House lawn that should not be overlooked: President Obama signed an important executive order that will, for the very first time, create national emission and fuel standards for large trucks:
Mr. Obama plans to announce on Friday that he is ordering the creation of a new national policy that will result in less greenhouse-gas pollution from medium- and heavy-duty trucks for the first time and will further reduce exhaust from cars and light-duty trucks beyond the requirements he has already put in place.
These big rigs and work-trucks disproportionately contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, so to be able to regulate those is crucially important. Needless to say, such action in the past has been blocked by Congress, so President Obama circumvented Congress with direct action. But the implications of this action move beyond climate change?
According to the President, the new emission rules will make a measurable difference:
"As a result, everybody wins," he says, adding that the "typical driver" will save $3,000 over the life of a vehicle.
This, in turn, can bring down the cost of transporting goods. It also provides an immediate incentive for manufacturers of these vehicles to begin creating more fuel-efficient trucks now:
"This announcement lays the groundwork for a more secure energy future by reducing our dependence on foreign oil, enhancing American competitiveness with a new generation of advanced electric vehicles, and protects the environment by reducing dangerous greenhouse gas and other pollutants," the official said. "This isn’t just good for America’s energy security and our environment, it’s good for business, workers, and consumers too."
And the gulf spill wasn't far removed from anyone's mind:
More broadly on energy, Obama says climate change "poses a threat to our way of life" and that the BP oil leak in the Gulf highlights the fact that "our long-term security depends on the development" of alternative sources and technologies.
While DKos rightly focuses on Financial Regulation, the blatherings of Rand Paul, and ways to take action to improve future regulation, it's worth taking a moment to acknowledge the very significant and tangible action that took place today: an executive order that will substantially reduce pollution.