MEMA Issues Statement Regarding EPA Final Determination on Emission Standards

On January 13, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the “Final Determination on the Appropriateness of the Model Years 2022-2025 Light-duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions Standards under the Midterm Evaluation,” that concludes the GHG emissions standards established under the 2012 final rule for those model years are achievable without change.

EPA’s Proposed Determination was issued Nov. 30, 2016 with only a 30-day public comment period and the Final Determination was published just 14 days later. EPA’s action was several months ahead of the anticipated Midterm Evaluation schedule and issued separately from -- instead of jointly with -- the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) Proposed Rulemaking on its Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for MYs 2022-2025.

While MEMA is disappointed with EPA’s accelerated timeframe for the Midterm Evaluation, motor vehicle suppliers stand ready to fully participate in helping motor vehicle manufacturers meet the targets of EPA’s GHG emissions program. Suppliers play a key role in the innovation, development and manufacturing of a wide variety of technologies that improve vehicle fuel economy and reduce GHG emissions. These technologies will be critical to help automakers meet the MYs 2022-2025 standards.

MEMA is currently reviewing the U.S. EPA’s Final Determination issued earlier today. MEMA believes a true National Program is crucial to ensure long-term compliance planning and corresponding technology investments. We remain committed to advocating for important program flexibilities, such as off-cycle technology credits, to help industry meet the goals of the standards.

MEMA will continue to work on these matters with the incoming Administration and the new Congress.