MEMA Applauds the EPA’s Final Rule on Light- and Medium- Duty Vehicle Emission Standards

Washington, D.C. – MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association (MEMA), and its members welcome the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) final rule for Multi-Pollutant Emissions Standards for Model Years 2027 and Later Light-Duty and Medium-Duty Vehicles, released March 20, 2024. 

MEMA and its members support the objectives of the EPA to improve national air quality through improvements to light- and medium-duty vehicles and applauds the agency for adopting improvements advocated by MEMA. The supplier industry directly designs and manufactures vehicle components and systems that enable the transformation of the transportation sector.  Suppliers play an essential role in providing the technology inherent to advanced internal combustion engine vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), battery electric vehicles (BEVs) as well as hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. 

The EPA final rule includes an amended and more comprehensive analysis of technological alternatives, such as plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) and additional technologies—an enhancement MEMA strongly urged the EPA to undertake. Such a detailed examination ensures greater regulatory clarity, empowering the industry to move forward with implementation. Further refinements in the analyses address MEMA's concerns regarding the importance of technology neutrality. Consequently, alternatives including hybrid gas/electric and other technologies can serve as viable options within the market mix used to meet overall requirements in the national fleet. 

MEMA notes that EPA’s selection of Alternative Three will facilitate a more gradual, steady implementation of the stated emissions requirements. This approach will provide global supply chains greater flexibility to adapt to the regulations while reorienting to meet market demands and restructuring needs. 

This balanced set of requirements and expectations will foster innovation in a coordinated direction, aligned with U.S. policy, and not mandate application of a narrowly defined technology path to make a positive impact on the country’s urgent environmental goals. 

The revised analyses also updated and expanded examinations and impacts relating to national infrastructure needs and achievements and the balance that must be struck in pushing for more electrification than may be possible in the near-term. MEMA will review the final regulation as it becomes available and confer with MEMA member companies. 

About MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association

MEMA, The Vehicle Suppliers Association, is the leading trade association in North America for vehicle suppliers, parts manufacturers, and remanufacturers. It has been the voice of the vehicle supplier industry since 1904. Its more than 1,000 members are Strong by Association.

Companies join MEMA via two membership groups: MEMA Aftermarket Suppliers and MEMA Original Equipment Suppliers. Automotive and commercial vehicle suppliers are the largest manufacturing sector in the United States and lead the way in new vehicle innovations.

Members conceive, design, and manufacture the OE systems and technologies that make up two-thirds of the value of every vehicle and supply the aftermarket with the parts that keep millions of vehicles on the road, fueling international commerce and meeting society’s transportation needs. MEMA members are committed to safety and sustainability.

MEMA has offices in Southfield, Mich.; Research Triangle Park, N.C.; and Washington, D.C. Learn more at MEMA.org.