MEMA Warns Collapse in Negotiations with California will Negatively Impact Suppliers

MEMA has stridently urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to come to a coordinated agreement with the California’s Air Resources Board on the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model years 2021-2026 for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks. As a trade association that represents 1,000 company members in the United States, we are disappointed that negotiations have collapsed.

The motor vehicle industry – including motor vehicle makers and motor vehicle suppliers – have been united in requesting that the Trump administration and California work towards an agreement on the SAFE rulemaking.

The collapse in discussions on a One National Program with California may trigger litigation and long-term regulatory uncertainty. This will have damaging effects on industry’s ability to invest and plan for the future. MEMA has always strongly supported a One National Program negotiated with California. A One National Program with California will maintain market stability and predictability, allow motor vehicle suppliers to make important long-term business planning decisions, continue to grow supplier jobs, drive domestic investments, and secure the billions of dollars in investments motor vehicle suppliers have already made in developing these emissions-reducing technologies for the fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions programs. We sincerely hope that this action can be reversed and that all parties can return to meaningful negotiations.