MEMA Responds to Fuel Efficiency Proposal Released by Trump Administration

Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) issued the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) for the vehicle greenhouse gas emissions and the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards.

Motor vehicle suppliers, the largest sector of manufacturing jobs in the U.S., drive the technology advancements that allow automakers to meet fuel efficiency and emissions standards. These standards have driven long-term supplier investments in emissions reducing and fuel efficiency technologies, spurred U.S. global leadership in innovation, and has resulted in a strong increase in supplier manufacturing jobs.

MEMA is currently reviewing the lengthy NPRM document, however, we are hoping that the administration has addressed MEMA’s requests that the rule maintain the stability and predictability that our member companies need for continued growth. MEMA strongly supports a One National Program negotiated between California, U.S. EPA, and NHTSA. MEMA strongly supports forward progress in the fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions standards. Suppliers also support further program flexibilities including enhancing the off-cycle technology credit program to provide automakers multiple options for meeting the standards.  

It is important that the standards strike an appropriate balance between consumer choice, American technological leadership, and strengthening the U.S. manufacturing sector. With the release of the proposals, MEMA will evaluate the options provided by the agencies and determine which, if any, scenarios meet our criteria.