Biden Administration Hits Automotive Emissions Reset Button

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has rolled back Trump administration reductions of auto emission standards enacted by the Trump administration, and is taking first steps toward a new emissions agreement with automakers.

1 minute read

May 3, 2021, 11:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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Juliet Eilperin and Dino Grandoni report that U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently announced a decision to allow California permission "to set more stringent climate requirements for cars and SUVs." The decision would reverse a controversial Trump administration policy, itself a reversal of previous environmental policy.

"The step, coming days after the Transportation Department withdrew Trump-era restrictions of state tailpipe emission rules, could help pave the way for a broader climate deal with the nation’s automakers," according to the article. The U.S. EPA will begin holding public hearings in June and accepting public comments in July.

California isn't the only state seeking more stringent emission standards from automakers. "Thirteen states and D.C. have signed on to California’s greenhouse gas vehicle standards. Collectively they represent 36 percent of the U.S. auto market," according to the article.

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