Four major automakers have reached an agreement with California on fuel economy standards that would reduce emissions – and the American Lung Association (ALA) approves.

Ford, Volkswagen, Honda, and BMW this week agreed to increase the average fuel economy of their new vehicle fleets to nearly 50 miles per gallon by model year 2026 - an increase of 3.7 miles per gallon per year. The increase is approximately the same one enacted under the EPA during the Obama era.

ALA President and CEO Harold P. Wimmer commending the state and the automakers on “reaching an agreement on a path forward to continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles and support the preservation of state authority.”

Wimmer noted that the transportation sector is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S.

“Cleaner, more efficient vehicles and electric vehicles are key to fighting climate change and will help protect the health of all Americans, particularly the most vulnerable, such as children, older adults and people living with lung diseases like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).”

A recent poll conducted for the ALA shows that 74 percent support of voters support maintaining stricter standards. 

“The health of all Americans demands urgent action on climate change, we urge all automakers to join this compromise agreement.”