California Signs Deal With Automakers to Produce Fuel-Efficient Cars – Do You Support the Deal?

What’s the story?

• California has formed a deal with four automakers to produce fuel-efficient cars, circumventing the federal Environmental Protection Agency that is working to relax them.
• The California Air Resources Board (CARB) and Ford Motor Company, Volkswagen AG, Honda, and BMW of North America agreed to reach a standard of around 50 miles per gallon by 2026. The companies will also be able to receive credits towards meeting their annual targets by implementing environmental-friendly technologies.
• The Trump administration’s pending rollback would freeze mileage requirements for cars and light trucks at around 37 miles per gallon on average.
• Currently, 12 states and the District of Columbia have adopted California’s emissions standards.

What are people saying?

Supporters

California Gov. Gavin Newsom (D):

"Clean air emissions standards ... are perhaps the most significant thing this state can do, and this nation can do, to advance [environmental] goals. The Trump administration is hellbent on rolling them back. They are in complete denialism about climate change."

From a joint statement by the four automakers:

“These terms will provide our companies much-needed regulatory certainty by allowing us to meet both federal and state requirements with a single national fleet, avoiding a patchwork of regulations while continuing to ensure meaningful greenhouse gas emissions reductions.”

Critics

Michael Abboud, spokesman for the Environmental Protection Agency:

"The Trump Administration is pursuing one national standard and certainty for the entire auto market that will provide safe, affordable vehicles for consumers while also improving environmental outcomes."

• Abboud called the deal “a PR stunt that does nothing to further the one national standard that will provide certainty and relief for American consumers."
• Other car manufacturers said they’re considering the deal.

“We look forward to reviewing the details of this agreement, as well as the federal rule later this year,” Fiat Chrysler Automobiles said in statement.

• General Motors spokeswoman Jeannine Ginivan told the Washington Post that her company was committed to finding a compromise “that includes the administration.”

What do you think?

Do you agree with the Trump administration that relaxing standards will “provide safe, affordable vehicles for consumers while also improving environmental outcomes”? Or do you side with California that increased fuel efficiency standards will help save the environment? Take action above and tell your reps, then tell your fellow drivers below.

—Josh Herman

(Photo Credit: iStock / MCCAIG)