The Transportation Department will likely unveil a proposal this month that would freeze fuel economy targets at 2020 levels through 2026. The proposal will formally arrive at the White House for review next week.
While the so-called ‘freeze’ is the preferred option, it is only one of many options put forward by the proposal, which will be made public in the first week of June, reports Autonews.
Last week, President Trump met with auto industry leaders to discuss emissions rules, and expressed an “openness to a discussion with California on an expedited basis,” according to two major auto industry trade groups.
California currently has stricter standards than Washington with regards to vehicle emissions, and together with 16 other states covering roughly 40% of the U.S. population, put forward a lawsuit to block the Trump administration’s efforts to weaken the fuel efficiency requirements.
Meanwhile, automakers would prefer it that the White House and the state of California would reach a consensus on national standards, as a prolonged legal battle could mean having to abide by two different set of rules and deal with extended uncertainty.
“This is a solvable problem. There’s an outcome here that’s good for California, that’s good for this administration and terrific for the men and women who work for this sector,” stated Mitch Bainwol, who heads the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, representing GM, VW, Toyota and others.
According to California Air Resources board spokesman, Stanley Young, the state hasn’t been contacted by the administration since last week’s meeting.
