EPA Prepares to Roll Back Rules Requiring Cleaner, More Efficient Cars

"The Trump administration is expected to launch an effort in coming days to weaken greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards for automobiles, handing a victory to car manufacturers and giving them ammunition to potentially roll back industry standards worldwide.

The move — which undercuts one of President Barack Obama’s signature efforts to fight climate change — would also propel the Trump administration toward a courtroom clash with California, which has vowed to stick with the stricter rules even if Washington rolls back federal standards. That fight could end up creating one set of rules for cars sold in California and the 12 states that follow its lead, and weaker rules for the rest of the states, in effect splitting the nation into two markets.

Scott Pruitt, the head of the Environmental Protection Agency, is expected to frame the initiative as eliminating a regulatory burden on automakers that will result in more affordable trucks, vans and sport utility vehicles for buyers, according to people familiar with the plan."

Coral Davenport and Hiroko Tabuchi report for the New York Times March 29, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"EPA Poised To Announce Rejection Of Obama Vehicle Fuel Efficiency Rules" (Reuters)

"Fuel Economy: 5 Things To Know About EPA Rollback Of Obama Rules" (Greenwire)

"Why EPA’s U-Turn On Auto Efficiency Rules Gives China The Upper Hand" (The Conversation)