WASHINGTON — Major U.S. and foreign automakers backed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s new, tougher vehicle on Wednesday emission regulations in a legal challenge brought by some states and ethanol groups.
Texas and 15 other states contested EPA vehicle emissions rules that reverse a rollback of exhaust rules issued under former President Donald Trump.
The Automotive Innovation Alliance, representing nearly all major automakers, said in court that the EPA rule will “challenge the industry” but provides automakers with “significant flexibilities.” crucial”.
Automakers, the group added, want to ensure that “essential regulatory provisions supporting electric vehicle technology are maintained.”
The states are joined by some corn and soybean grower associations, US fuel and petrochemical manufacturers and others. Corn Growers, a subsidiary of Valero Energy and other ethanol producers said new EPA rules revising emissions requirements through 2026 “effectively mandate the production and sale of cars electric rather than cars powered by internal combustion engines”.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton filed a challenge joined by Ohio, Alabama, Arkansas, Alaska, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Utah. The State of Arizona filed a separate legal challenge.
The automakers, which include General Motors, Volkswagen AG, Toyota Motor Corp., Hyundai Motor Co. and Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, said in the court filing that “the transition must be supported by regulatory stability.” If the outcome of the litigation remains in question for a significant period … (automakers) could face stranded investment and planning uncertainty.”
The new rules, which take effect in September and require a 28.3% reduction in vehicle emissions through 2026, aim to accelerate the United States’ shift to more electric vehicles.
National Road Safety Administration Friday will announce its latest parallel revisions to company average fuel economy rules through 2026, Reuters reported. In addition, the NHTSA confirmed on Sunday that it had finalized a dramatic increase in fines for car manufacturers that do not comply with regulatory standards.
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