EPA Proposal: No Required Fuel Economy Improvements From 2020-2026

The Trump administration has proposed new fuel economy standards that would roll back the rules set during the Obama presidency and freeze mpg requirements at 2020 levels through 2026. Currently, automakers must work to raise average fuel economy across their lineups to between 50 and 52.6 mpg by 2025. The Trump proposal is being challenged by 20 attorneys general in 19 states and Washington D.C., as well as by several environmental groups.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Thursday that the proposed new rules are intended to lower new-vehicle costs and thus make future vehicles safer and more available to the public. According to the agencies, the current Obama-era regulations would increase the cost of a new car by $2,340 on average and lead to more people hanging on to older vehicles longer.

In an August 2 post on the White House website, Trump’s Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao stated: “The standards implemented by the previous administration raised the cost and decreased the supply of newer, safer vehicles. The government also previously failed to conduct a midterm review in the manner promised. Customers’ preferences have also changed since the current standards were introduced.”

Opponents, however, say the plan to push less fuel-efficient cars (and far fewer EVs) will drive up gas prices. They argue that it erases the steps taken to protect the environment for future generations. In a joint statement, the coalition of 20 attorneys general said: “Federal rules to limit tailpipe pollution and improve fuel economy are our best strategy to reduce carbon pollution, improve air quality, and save drivers money on gas. The Administration’s proposal to weaken these rules will cause the American people to breathe dirtier air and pay higher prices at the pump. If adopted, the Environmental Protection Agency and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rollbacks will cost American drivers hundreds of billions of dollars.

“Freezing or weakening these standards puts the health of our children, seniors, and all communities at risk, and increases the rising costs of climate change for our states. This decision upends decades of cooperative state and federal action to protect our residents. We are prepared to go to court to put the brakes on this reckless and illegal plan,” the attorney coalition added.

At the heart of the issue is the revoking of California’s authority to set its own emissions standards—a waiver established by the Clean Air Act. California has historically been the pacesetter for fuel economy in the U.S.; 13 other states and Washington D.C. also adhere to California rules rather than the less-strict ones set by the federal government.

California Governor Jerry Brown said on Twitter, “California will fight this stupidity in every conceivable way possible.”

Automakers, who have long pushed for looser regulations, are now urging the administration to sit down with California to negotiate a final rule set. The industry hopes to avoid having to manufacture cars for a split U.S. market with different sets of regulations.

The Auto Alliance, the lobbying group that represents Ford, FCA, General Motors, and many others, said in a statement:

“Automakers support continued improvements in fuel economy and flexibilities that incentivize advanced technologies while balancing priorities like affordability, safety, jobs, and the environment. With today’s release of the Administration’s proposals, it’s time for substantive negotiations to begin. We urge California and the federal government to find a common sense solution that sets continued increases in vehicle efficiency standards while also meeting the needs of America’s drivers.”

Separately, GM said in its own statement, “We look forward to working with all parties to achieve one national 50-state program. Regardless of the standards, we remain committed to a future of zero crashes, zero emissions, and zero congestion. The pathway to that vision includes continually improving fuel economy and our commitment to an all-electric future.”

Ford did not issue a statement in response to the news, but said in March, “We support increasing clean car standards through 2025 and are not asking for a rollback. We want one set of standards nationally, along with additional flexibility to help us provide more affordable options for our customers.”

The proposal is open to public comment for 60 days, after which the EPA and NHTSA hope to issue a final rule by winter.

Source: Department of Transportation, Reuters

The post EPA Proposal: No Required Fuel Economy Improvements From 2020-2026 appeared first on Motor Trend.

from Motor Trend https://ift.tt/2Mbq1JD