On April 2nd, EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, announced plans to lower the standards on automotive fuel emissions. Pruitt disclosed that he believes the emission regulations made under Obama's EPA are in desperate need of revision.

"Obama's EPA cut the midterm evaluation process short with politically charged expediency, made assumptions about the standards that didn't comport with reality and set the standards too high", Pruitt claimed.

Wait, is Pruitt really stating that we need to set the bar lower? There should be no such thing as having standards "too high" when it comes to protecting the planet we live in. Weakening fuel efficiency is a huge step back for our environmental security.

The announcement of the agency's decision to roll back fuel economy standards for vehicles is utterly unsettling. It is going to undo everything that was accomplished during the Obama era of fuel efficiency and mileage standards.

As stated by Mark Hand with Think Progress, "In 2012, the Obama administration approved new auto emissions standards, with 2018 model year vehicles required to average 38.3 miles per gallon of gasoline and 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The 2025 target was set as part of a compromise reached between the Obama administration and the auto industry."

Of course, Pruitt believes that this 2025 target is unattainable. Consequently, numerous environmental organizations are accusing Pruitt of siding with the fossil fuel industry instead of advocating for energy efficiency.

Michael Brune, Executive Director of the Sierra Club, released a statement in response to Pruitt's decision: “These roll-backs from Scott Pruitt mean Americans will pay more at the pump while our air gets dirtier, just so Pruitt can help the corporate lobbyists and polluters who give him favors and marching orders."

Thus, weakening the standards of our fuel economy will not only harm the atmosphere but will also result in greater fuel costs for consumers.

It is also worth noting that Pruitt's plans will be a direct threat to public health, as greenhouse pollutant emissions are bound to increase.

Therefore, it is compellingly evident that Pruitt's desire to lower automotive fuel emission standards is outright ridiculous and nonsensical. Fossil fuels are already a huge burden on public health and are only further aggravating climate change. Why make matters even worse?

Pruitt, please value the environmental security of our planet and the safety of the American people. We do not have much time left before we destroy the only home we have ever known. We need to take proper action now. I urge you to use your position of power to induce change, conserve natural resources, promote environmental sustainability and fight for the protection of our planet.