Rollback of fuel efficiency standards will harm U.S. economy and public health for years

(ACEEE blog, 31 Mar 2020) Washington — The Trump administration’s rollback of clean car standards, announced Tuesday, will increase air pollution and hurt our health and the environment for years to come.

“At a time when the nation is focused on the COVID-19 emergency, this is a completely unnecessary and destructive action that will cost Americans at the pump and in the air we breathe,” said ACEEE executive director Steven Nadel. “Any longer-term policies adopted now should help secure the future health of our economy and environment. This rollback does the opposite.”

The final rule rolls back clean car standards slated for model year 2021-2026 vehicles. By hitting the brakes on corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards, the administration will cause the owner of an average model year 2025 vehicle to fill up the gas tank 62 more times over the life of the vehicle.

With Saudi Arabia and Russia locked in an oil price war and Americans sharply curtailing their driving as they heed calls to stay home, spending on gasoline has dropped for now. But the rollback of standards will increase fuel consumption and emissions for decades to come.

External link

ACEEE blog, 31 Mar 2020: Rollback of fuel efficiency standards will harm U.S. economy and public health for years