Julien and Liam Mathie, 10- and 9-year-old brothers from the western Chicago
suburb of La Grange Park, woke up at 5 a.m., put on suits and ties, and drove
to Springfield with their parents last Wednesday to promote the Clean Cars Act.
It was the second time the junior lobbyists — considered “pros” by Environment Illinois, dad Bryan says — joined other environmentalists at the State Capitol in pushing legislators to
adopt stricter automotive emission standards.
Under HB 422, sponsored by State Rep. Karen May, D-Highland Park, and SB 1941,
sponsored by Sen. Jacqueline Collins, D-Chicago, Illinois would become the
nation’s 15th state to reject the federal standard for auto emissions. Instead, as
permitted by the national Clean Car Act, the Prairie State would implement
stronger auto emission standards set by California in 2004. Auto manufacturers
and owners would adhere to a graduated system that mandates lower emission
levels from cars and light-duty trucks each year through 2020.
Most of the 14 that have tightened their tailpipes are coastal states, such as
Connecticut, Maine, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Oregon and Washington. Brian
Granahan, a staff attorney for Environment Illinois, says Illinois could incite
change for the middle ground.
“It would be a great breakthrough if Illinois moved forward,” Granahan says. “It would signal the viability of this policy nationwide by showing that this can
happen in the Midwest.”
According to Environment Illinois, Illinois would reduce global warming
pollution from cars by 47.4 million metric tons by adopting the new
legislation. The state would also save more than $9.6 million through reduced
gasoline consumption.
Nearly 90 high school students from Chicago — clad in sky blue T-shirts with “Clean Cars. Save Money. Save the Planet” scripted in orange lettering — joined the Mathie brothers last week in lobbying legislators. Jose Rios, a
sophomore from Curie Metropolitan High School, says he learned in a special
class called “Forefront” that cleaner cars could help the troubled industry.
“It’s a leadership class,” he says. “Our teacher helps us develop leadership skills and teaches us how to make
positive changes in our community.”
More and more children are talking about environmental issues, Granahan points
out — an opportunity that wasn’t readily available when he was a kid.
“Younger people grasp environmental issues better than the older generations,” he says. “They’ve come to know that progress needs to be made with energy, and they are
motivated to be involved.”
Julien, who one day plans to become a marine biologist, says he lobbies on
environmental issues because he is “worried for the lakes.” Liam has asthma, a condition worsened by car pollution. They’re unique, their dad says. Because of their youth, lawmakers respond to them.
“We are trying to get our children to understand that they can get up and make a
difference,” Bryan Mathie says.
This article appears in Mar 19-25, 2009.
