Biden EPA rescinds Trump-era rollback of California’s fuel efficiency standards

SAN FRANCISCO – The Biden Environmental Protection Agency today restored California’s right to set tighter auto tailpipe standards, reversing the Trump administration’s long battle with the state over its efforts to reduce emissions to address the climate emergency.

The EPA announced it has rescinded the Trump-era rule that blocked California’s legal authority to set fuel economy standards that are tougher than federal regulations.

“Reversing former President Trump’s reckless effort to block California and other states from setting strict automobile emissions standards is paramount in the fight to tackle the climate emergency,” said EWG President Ken Cook.

“With the price of gas top of mind for every American as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that has roiled the global energy markets, even more must be done by states and the federal government to increase fuel efficiency standards and incentivize more electric vehicles to save consumers money at the pump,” Cook said.

Soon after Trump took office, auto industry lobbyists pushed for the repeal of the Obama-era federal fuel economy standards. In 2019, Toyota, GM and Fiat Chrysler joined Trump’s legal efforts to overturn California’s state standards, which largely follow the Obama-era rules. In today’s announcement, the EPA said it will also reconsider the Trump rule that rolled back the Obama standards.

Air pollution from automobiles is one of the major drivers of the climate crisis and can cause or worsen serious health problems, including damage to the heart, lungs and respiratory system, putting people at greater risk of falling ill from viruses, including Covid-19.

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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.

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