July 28, 2023
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) released its proposal to update Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2027-2032. CAFE Standards reduce oil consumption by setting standards for how far vehicles must travel on a gallon of gas. Reducing oil consumption also cuts tailpipe pollution. Manufacturers will be required to design and build vehicles for specific model years that meet new standards. In response, Ann Mesnikoff, ELPC’s Federal Legislative Director, said:
“The Environmental Law & Policy Center appreciates the NHTSA’s proposed Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for model years 2027-2032 cars and light trucks. But we are disappointed that this proposal is not more ambitious given the climate crisis.
“With transportation now the leading source of U.S. climate pollution and gas prices continuing to drain dollars from our pockets, stronger CAFE standards are a critical tool for reducing oil consumption and the pollution driving the climate crisis. These standards in conjunction with EPA’s proposal to ramp down greenhouse gas tailpipe pollution are necessary components of climate action.
“NHTSA’s preferred alternative would result in a fleetwide average new vehicle fuel economy of 58 miles per gallon in 2032. That may sound like a lot but in the real world that’s only an average of 44 mpg, if that. NHTSA’s proposal has a stronger alternative which we’ll look at closely and comment on.
“With climate change dramatically heating up the planet and impacting the Great Lakes region and communities around the globe, we cannot afford final standards that don’t match the urgency for action.”