United States Adopts Definitive Rules to End Increased Energy Efficiency Penalties



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Officials have argued that this rule could allow businesses (and indirectly buyers) to save up to $ 1 billion a year, echoing the arguments of the auto industry lobby group. , Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. He claimed that the increase in fines would create "significant economic harm".

Some states (including California and New York) and environmental groups are begging to differ. They filed a lawsuit against NHTSA in 2017 for halting the increase in sentences, and were backed when a federal court blocked an attempt to delay the implementation of the Obama era. They pointed out that the fines had not increased since 1997, when they had only increased by 50 cents – the actual penalty imposed on car manufacturers is far less than what it was there two decades ago. Companies can sometimes afford to swallow costs instead of improving their vehicles. Politicians and other critics have also noted that perceived economic savings could be questionable if fuel – inefficient cars are harming air quality and climate change.

The rules are consistent with those of an administration that regularly tries to protect fossil fuels. As with previous regulations, however, they may have limited effect even if they survive the legal review. Many car brands (including some from the Alliance) have committed to electrifying large parts of their alignments over the next few years, whether through hybrid vehicles or pure electric vehicles. The fuel economy for the fleet will therefore continue to increase in the near future, but the freeze could significantly reduce the incentive to accelerate this process.

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