EPA to pull back on fuel-efficiency standards for cars, trucks in future model years

Gurshamsheer Kailey

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) intends to withdraw final determination on strict fuel-efficiency standards for future cars and light trucks. Standards for model year 2022 to 2025 would require 54.5 miles per gallon average for the cars and light truck fleet. EPA though agreed to review the 2022-2025 standards, decided against it and finalized the standards a week before Trump took office.

Marge Oge, who directed the EPA’s office of transportation and air quality from 1994 to 2012 said that agency’s decision was made on sounds science and analysis and that the Trump administration would come to the same conclusion if they rely on facts and science – that 2025 standards are achievable and will save consumers trillions in fuel costs.

California is the only state that is allowed to set higher, tighter standards under the Clean Air Act. However, the new administration is considering revoking this power from California by an executive order which could spur a major legal fight.

In response to the proposal, eight energy, environmental and science advocacy groups implored Scott Pruitt. EPA Administrator, to uphold the standards as clean car standards have reduced carbon pollution and saved drivers money.

See Juliet Eilperin & Brady Dennis, EPA to pull back on fuel-efficiency standards for cars, trucks in future model years, The Washington Post (March 3, 2017), https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/epa-to-pull-back-on-fuel-efficiency-standards-for-cars-trucks-in-future-model-years/2017/03/03/c4406b0c-0054-11e7-99b4-9e613afeb09f_story.html?utm_term=.c5e33e5393a9