Department of Environmental Studies professor comments on auto industry in 'Portland Press Herald' op-ed

Jake Plante, adjunct instructor in the Department of Environmental Studies
Jake Plante, adjunct instructor in the Department of Environmental Studies

Jake Plante, adjunct instructor in the Department of Environmental Studies, recently wrote an op-ed published in the regarding efforts by two top automakers to rollback emissions standards.

In his piece, 鈥淎mercia鈥檚 big automakers are running out of gas,鈥 Plante comments on why he thinks the automakers would be better served to invest in cleaner technology. He argues that instead of focusing on the emerging electric vehicle market, 鈥淕M and Ford are doubling down on a sales strategy featuring large SUVs and pickup trucks.鈥

Plante says that with the world growing more concerned about carbon pollution, sections of the global auto market are becoming more innovative. He cautions that GM and Ford are 鈥渇alling behind the competition,鈥 by not doing the same.