EPA Proposal To Delay Vehicle Emissions Standards Increases Regulatory Uncertainty for U.S. Transportation Industry
Proposed delay would create regulatory and investment uncertainty for automakers, suppliers, and clean transportation companies while sending a negative signal to global competitors.
CALSTART Media Contact: Jennifer Smith, CALSTART (626) 744-5645, jsmith@calstart.org
WASHINGTON, D.C. — On Thursday, May 14, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a proposal to delay a suite of multipollutant standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles by 2 years, from model year (MY) 2027 to MY 2029. EPA stated that the proposal is intended to reduce costs for consumers and manufacturers if finalized.
In response to this news, CALSTART’s CEO, Michael Berube, stated:
CALSTART’s President and CEO Michael Berube
“EPA’s proposal to delay a suite of multipollutant standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles once again demonstrates a profound disconnect between the technology powering our transportation system and the policy supporting it. Automakers, suppliers, and clean technology companies have been investing and planning around these deadlines for years. Delaying compliance doesn’t reflect market reality, but creates uncertainty that discourages investment and undermines the businesses that have already made commitments to meet these timelines.
“Emissions standards support American competitiveness and position our automotive sector for resilience into the coming decades. The clean transportation sector supports hundreds of thousands of jobs across manufacturing, technology development, infrastructure, and services. Weakening standards sends a signal that the United States is stepping back from long-term transportation innovation and industrial competitiveness.
“As cleaner and more-efficient vehicle technologies continue advancing worldwide, increasing divergence between U.S. and international standards creates additional complexity for operating manufacturers and suppliers.
“These criteria pollutant standards reduce harmful emissions from internal combustion engine vehicles, regardless of powertrain; delaying them would have significant public health consequences for communities across the country by slowing reductions in smog- and soot-forming pollution. While loosening these regulations may offer some upfront savings on vehicle purchases, framing this proposal as consumer relief obscures the broader public cost, including billions in avoided health costs and other public health benefits EPA previously projected under the original rule.
“CALSTART strongly opposes this proposal. EPA should change course and allow these standards to remain in place.”
Background
On May 14, EPA released a proposal to delay implementation of portions of its multipollutant emissions standards for light- and medium-duty vehicles by 2 model years, shifting certain requirements from MY 2027 to MY 2029.
The proposal relates to criteria pollutant standards designed to reduce emissions, including nitrogen oxides and particulate matter from internal combustion engine vehicles. EPA previously projected that the original rule would deliver substantial public health benefits through reductions in smog- and soot-forming pollution.
EPA will hold a public hearing on the proposal in June before accepting public comments and determining next steps.
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About CALSTART
CALSTART brings the clean transportation industry together to accelerate innovation and grow the market. Bridging government and industry with support from our members and partners, we scale affordable clean transportation options that cut air pollution and curb climate change.