Implementing stricter vehicle emissions standards can require automakers to adhere to tailpipe emissions and fuel economy standards.1 Therefore, new vehicles being developed would be required to have higher fuel and energy efficiency levels. Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) can set forth policies to regulate motor vehicle emissions. In December 2021, the EPA announced its newest emissions standards that will apply to passenger vehicles and light-trucks with model years 2023-2026.2,3 One of the rules will also require passenger vehicles to reach a fuel efficiency level of 55 miles per gallon of gasoline by 2026. This is expected to reduce the release of carbon dioxide by approximately 3.1 billion tons through 2050.3
How it Helps
Stringent vehicle emissions standards for can achieve substantial greenhouse gas reductions and result in numerous public health benefits such as fewer incidences of cardiovascular and respiratory issues. Limits on vehicle emissions can also reduce gasoline consumption, lower fuel costs, and extend vehicle life. Ensuring that vehicles meet minimum emission standards can reduce pollutants on the roadway and minimize runoff contamination. In the long-term, this can slow the effects of climate change by significantly reducing the transportation sector’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions.
Implementing
Federal Action:
Implementing vehicle emissions standards requires action at the federal level, such as through executive orders or federal agency program standards. To assist in the implementation and adoption of these standards, there are numerous incentives that can encourage automakers to adhere to the requirements. These include other actions to make compliance to the standards more cost-effective for vehicle companies or providing financial incentives that encourage technological innovation and competitiveness between automakers.
Examples
1) Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks
In August 2021, President Biden issued an Executive Order on Strengthening American Leadership in Clean Cars and Trucks to increase America’s clean vehicle fleet. This Executive Order set a goal that 50% of all new passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks be zero-emission vehicles by 2030. It also required the EPA and NHTSA to develop new fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards.
2) California Waiver
Since California had already been addressing air pollution problems from the transportation sector long before the Clean Air Act was passed, Congress allowed an exemption for the state to still continue to enact its own regulations.
1. Kodjak, D., et al. (2015). Policies to Reduce Fuel Consumption, Air Pollution, and Carbon Emissions from Vehicles in G20 Nations. ICCT. https://theicct.org/sites/default/files/publications/ICCT_G20-briefing-paper_Jun2015.pdf
2. EPA. (2023). Regulations for Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Passenger Cars and Trucks. https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/regulations-greenhouse-gas-emissions-passenger-cars-and
3. C2ES. Federal Vehicle Standards. https://www.c2es.org/content/regulating-transportation-sector-carbon-emissions/