MEMA Policy Breakfast Gathers Thought-Leaders on Emissions Standards

The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) hosted a policy panel discussion titled “Can the US remain a Leader in Innovation if CAFE Standards Are Significantly Altered?” on March 20, 2018, at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. The event was part of MEMA’s Policy Breakfast Series, which aims to highlight and explain the complexities of critical issues that affect the motor vehicle supplier industry, such as tax reform, trade, regulations, workforce development, and intellectual property.

The standing-room-only event was kicked off with comments from Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Mich.), who brought unique insight into the needs of the supplier community located in her district.

With the first midterm evaluation of the Trump administration expected to be released March 30, MEMA led a timely discussion on the potential implications to the supplier industry if there are major changes to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and the vehicle greenhouse gas emission programs. The panel explored impacts on supplier investment and jobs and whether the US can remain a leader in innovation if the emissions and fuel efficiency standards are changed significantly. The discussion was moderated by Ann Wilson, MEMA Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

Panelists included:

• Robbie Diamond, Founder, President & CEO, Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE)

• Greg Garr, Director, Market Creation/Technical Center, Umicore Autocat USA Inc.

• Laurie Holmes, Senior Director, Environmental Policy, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association

• Julia Rege, Director, Environment and Energy, Global Automakers

• John C. Thomas, Director, Commercial, Automotive Sales, Arconic

With this event and the others in this prestigious series, MEMA, which represents the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the US, has taken a leadership role in the discussion on policies, laws, and regulations that impact the motor vehicle supplier industry.