On Monday, the Trump Administration declared its intent to undo Obama-era global warming regulations placed on America’s auto industry.
The widely expected statement by Scott Pruitt, head of Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) corresponds to what automakers have requested of the Trump Administration.
They argued that with Americans purchasing bigger cars and with low fuel prices, the greenhouse gas quality for cars manufactured between the period of 2022 & 2025 are far too harsh, and unrealistic.
“The Obama administration’s determination was wrong,” said Scott Pruitt referencing to the Obama-era administration’s finding in his statement on Monday. “Obama’s EPA cut the Midterm Evaluation process short with politically charged expediency, made assumptions about the standards that didn’t comport with reality, and set the standards too high.”
In Monday’s statement, Scott Pruitt also said that he is looking over whether California is continued to allow setting their own vehicle emissions laws or to annul the federal waiver allowing them to mandate their own unique climate laws.
“Cooperative federalism doesn’t mean that one state can dictate standards for the rest of the country,” Pruitt said, referring when Obama negotiated with the state of California on the existing regulations. “EPA will set a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions that allows auto manufacturers to make cars that people both want and can afford — while still expanding environmental and safety benefits of newer cars.”
Automakers commended and acclaimed Scott Pruitt’s finding.
“This was the right decision, and we support the administration for pursuing a data-driven effort and a single national program as it works to finalize future standards,” stated Gloria Borquist, spokesperson for Auto Alliance. “We appreciate that the administration is working to find a way to both increase fuel economy standards and keep new vehicles affordable to more Americans.”
Global Automakers, which embodies those companies that are in the business of importing vehicles into the United States, applauded the move.
“We appreciate the EPA’s data-driven process in arriving at its Final Determination that adjustments to the national GHG program are needed,” John Bozzella stated, the group’s president. “This is the first step in a longer rulemaking process, and the best way to achieve our collective goals is under a single national program that provides an aggressive but achievable pathway, a variety of compliance tools, and factors in the role of customers.”
Environmental groups instantly slammed Scott Pruitt’s decision, disagreeing that with the increase in the motorists’ fuel costs, it would be devastating for the climate and the pollution. The Greens groups are most likely to sue and take charge if the EPA goes forward and tries altering the regulations.
“These roll-backs from Scott Pruitt mean Americans will pay more at the pump while our air gets dirtier, just so Pruitt can help the corporate lobbyists and polluters who give him favors and marching orders,” stated Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director.
“Pruitt’s decision to side with Ford and the Auto Alliance rather than the overwhelming majority of Americans who want these clean car standards should come as no surprise as this is an administrator who focuses solely on what’s best for corporate polluters, not the public. But make no mistake, we will continue fighting back to protect these standards and the health of our communities,” he further said.
“The Trump administration’s decision will take America backward by jeopardizing successful safeguards that are working to clean our air, save drivers money at the pump, and drive technological innovation that creates jobs,” stated Natural Resources Defense Council’s director for clean vehicles at the Luke Tonachel.
