Biden Could Restore California’s Ability To Set Its Own Fuel Efficiency Standards

The Biden administration is looking to reinstate California’s authority to set its own fuel efficiency standards.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has revealed that it is proposing to withdraw a rule meant to stop states from setting their own standards implemented by the former Trump administration. If the Biden administration does reverse this ruling, California and the 15 states that follow its standards will be able to set their own rules.

Donald Trump’s decision to revoke California’s ability to set its own emissions standards received some support from select car manufacturers and disapproval from others. For example, Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen, and Volvo decided to follow the California standards.

Read Also: President Biden Urged By California Senators To Set End Date For ICE-Powered Vehicle Sales

In a statement, the U.S. Department of Transportation said it will establish a regulatory clean slate and reverse “unnecessary and potentially unlawful efforts to prevent state action.”

“NHTSA’s proposed rule would remove unnecessary barriers to state leadership in regulating greenhouse gases and other air pollutants that spew from the tailpipes of cars,” added NHTSA acting administrator Steven Cliff.

President Joe Biden has said he will seek one national standard for fuel efficiency and emissions.

The U.S. Department of Transportation will take comments for one month before the reversal moves through the regulatory process, KLTA reports.

Last year, a coalition of 23 states, including California, sued the Trump administration over its decision to lower fuel economy and emission standards.