Documents Show EPA Staff Fought with NHTSA on Fuel Economy Rules
When the EPA and NHTSA released their joint plan for freezing fuel economy and emissions regulations starting in 2020, it was easy to think that the two agencies were of one mind on the issue. However, recently released documents show that EPA officials repeatedly questioned key assumptions. They even argued that the plan wouldn’t make […]
Trump Officials to Meet With California Air Resources Board Chairman To Hash Out Emissions, Fuel Economy Rules
Tensions have been rising higher and higher over the fate of our nation’s fuel efficiency and emissions regulations, most recently leading to a lawsuit being filed by a collection of states (including California, New York, the District of Columbia, and 14 others) against the EPA to prevent the rules from being frozen or rolled back. […]
Reminder: Auto Part Makers Really Want Current Fuel Economy Rules To Stay
As we get closer and closer to the Environmental Protection Agency under Scott Pruitt, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and Donald Trump issuing a recommendation on whether or not Obama-era fuel economy/emissions standards will be implemented as proposed (which seems very doubtful), it can be tempting the think that the whole of the car-making industry […]
NHTSA To Offer Recommendations on Changing Fuel Economy Rules in Middle of Violent Regulatory Argument
When Donald Trump was elected president, it seemed that the Obama-administration EPA scrambled to pass what rulings they could ahead of the predictably regulation-averse (particularly when it comes to carbon and fuel efficiency regulations, with the appointment of Oklahoma Attorney General Scott Pruitt to the head position at the EPA) Trump administration’s ascension to control. […]
Analysts: Fuel Economy Rules Aren’t Why Cars Are More Expensive
The EPA and lobbyists for the auto manufacturers have been, to put it mildly, disagreeing about the EPA’s increasing fuel economy regulations. The automaker lobbyists have been pushing hard for regulations to be delayed or relaxed, citing one particular study which said that they couldn’t possibly meet the current levels due to high demand for […]
How to Maximize Your Fuel Efficiency
Gas prices are starting to climb again, which might be hitting you hard in the wallet if you drive a big SUV or truck. Regardless of what vehicle is parked in your garage, there are some easy things you can do to that add up in the long run. Save Money at the Dealership: Certified Pre-Owned cars stand out […]
Study Finds That U.S. Consumers Support Higher Fuel Economy Standards
Even as customers choose to buy large SUVs and trucks, they apparently wish to see improving fuel standards
Earlier this month, General Motors shocked much of the automotive community by announcing its support for a zero-emission vehicle quota. According to recent reports, GM isn’t alone in its desire for more efficient vehicles. Indeed, a study conducted by Autolist.com found that U.S. consumers favor strengthening U.S. fuel economy standards. What’s Your Current Car Worth?: […]
California Asks Automakers To Prove Fuel Economy Claims
The Trump administration has proposed a rollback of fuel economy and pollution reduction regulations, spurred by automaker claims that the existing rules were too difficult and too expensive. So, now California is asking automakers to prove it. Interesting Information: Here is what you get with a Certified Pre-Owned Chevrolet The state is considering making a […]
Three Fuel Economy Misconceptions to Ignore
Since the dawn of automotive engineering, there have been stories, tall tales, and falsehoods that have been perpetuated as truths. And to this day, a lot of misconceptions are focused on fuel economy. Here are three that you can stop believing. Learn More: About the new Mitsubishi Mirage crossover Good fuel economy isn’t only attainable […]
Reasons Why the Trump Administration Wants to Freeze Fuel Efficiency Rules, Summarized
When it comes to big debates like the Trump administration’s proposed changes to the U.S. vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency rules, it is best to understand exactly what the argument for the change is. In that spirit, I decided to summarize the reasons that the EPA and NHTSA are suggesting we freeze vehicle fuel efficiency […]
EPA Watchdog To Review Many Scott Pruitt Decisions Including Emission Rules Cut
According to a memorandum acquired by Bloomberg, a working group of the Environmental Protection Agency’s watchdog Science Advisory Board is recommending that the organization look at the science behind several of EPA director Scott Pruitt’s major decisions. In particular, they would like to look at those that deal with fuel efficiency/emissions regulations and regulations closing […]
Mary Barra, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers Throw Support Behind Single National Fuel Efficiency, Emissions Standard
Last month, I speculated about what the position of the automakers would be in relation to new fuel efficiency and emissions rules. I guessed that they would like to have fewer regulations, but would greatly prefer a single national standard and more certainty in future regulations. Turns out I’m better at this than I thought. […]
California, 16 States, District of Columbia Are Officially Suing EPA for Slashing Fuel Efficiency, Emissions Rules
It’s time to put away those qualifying words and phrases like “impending,” “expect to soon,” or “in the event of” when discussing California’s’ opposition to EPA plans to slash Obama-era fuel efficiency and emissions regulations. California, along with 16 other states and the District of Columbia, is suing the EPA over its decision to declare the […]
Just What Do Automakers Want with New Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Rules?
There has been a lot written about the Environmental Protection Agency, its director Scott Pruitt, and his decision to declare the Obama-era emissions rules too strict. However, something that isn’t that often directly addressed is what exactly do the automakers want, here? Giving a Second Look: Here’s what Chevy checks before calling a car Certified […]
EPA to Overturn Regulations Requiring Cars to Meet Minimum Fuel Economy Standards
In 2012, the Obama Administration set up historic regulations that required automakers to increase their cars’ and light-duty trucks’ fuel economy ratings to 54.5 mpg by the year 2025. This week, the Trump Administration announced they plan to overturn those requirements in favor of a lower fuel economy minimum, a move we saw coming a few months ago. […]
Federal, California Governments Square Up in Moments Before Fight Over Vehicle Emissions Rules
Jabs are being lined up in the looming Environmental Protection Agency/Scott Pruitt/Trump vs. California regulatory cage match as the EPA prepares to announce its decision on whether or not to roll back Obama-era vehicle emissions and fuel efficiency regulations. On the EPA side, the agency has submitted its draft decision to the White House Office […]
Trump Admins Consult with Automaker Execs as Huge Brawl on Fuel Efficiency Ruling Draws Near
The argument over fuel efficiency standards has flared up again as the final date for the EPA’s decision looms on the horizon. Before Scott Pruitt announces the decision, though, it seems that he is seeking counsel from the nation’s carmakers, as GM CEO Mary Barra met with Pruitt and the head of the Transportation Department […]
NHTSA May Try to Justify Lowered MPG Rules By Saying Heavier Cars Are Safer
When the Trump administration, under the shared lead of the President and new EPA head Scott Pruitt, announced that it would be heeding the automaker call to roll back the final determination on fuel efficiency regulations, it didn’t come as much of a surprise. Similarly, nobody was seen clutching their pearls in shock when reports […]