Stand tough on fuel efficiency rules

As a mother of three and a nurse who supports families with at-risk newborns, car efficiency standards are important because they decrease vehicle emissions, which, in turn, helps reduce smog and protect children from illness.

I am thankful to see that in less than 10 years time the average fleetwide fuel economy for new cars sold in the United States will be required to reach 54.5 miles per gallon. Seeing as how nearly half of all Americans - an estimated 150 million people - live in areas that do not meet federal air quality standards, CAFE fuel efficiency standards will greatly improve the health and well-being of people all across this country.

According to a 2013 MIT study, every year more than 58,000 premature deaths occur that can be directly attributed to vehicle emissions. In another 2013 study by Julia Heck, Ph.D., children under the age of six in California were significantly more likely to develop cancer when their mother lived in areas of high vehicle emission pollution.

The next round of fuel efficiency rules, which go into effect starting next year, are an important step forward to cleaner air and better health. As the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration complete a review of the rules, I urge these agencies to maintain strong standards through 2025. I, for one, don't want my children or children under my care breathing in unnecessary toxic fumes. And thanks to these new rules, they won't have to.

Suzanne Steinrueck

Downers Grove