A coalition of power industry groups asked the Trump administration to ensure any future fuel economy standards for cars support increased use of electric vehicles and maintain a single national program for vehicle fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards.
The request comes as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration prepare to issue a notice of proposed rulemaking to consider changes to corporate average fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for light-duty vehicles.
"As the agencies consider potential changes to the standards, EPA should extend and improve the current regulatory mechanisms that provide critical support for EVs and advanced vehicles, including hybrid and fuel cell electric vehicles," read a May 22 letter from the Edison Electric Institute, American Public Power Association, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Association of Global Automakers and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. The groups sent the letter to EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt and Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao.
The groups asked the agencies to seek comment in any upcoming proposal on "the inclusion of a suite of flexibilities that focus on technology adoption and allow automakers and states to maximize the benefits of increased electric transportation." The letter noted that many of Edison Electric Institute, National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and American Public Power Association's members are already investing in the deployment of EVs and plug-in hybrid EVs, which the groups said will help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and cut dependence on foreign oil.
"We continue to support increases in the stringency of fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards year-over-year that also incorporate policies from California and other [zero emissions vehicle program] states to ensure that 'One National Program' is maintained," the letter said.
In April, the EPA decided the existing CAFE standards for model years 2022-2025 were too stringent and must be revised. The agency said the Obama-era standards relied on inaccurate or unrealistic assumptions about gasoline prices and consumer interest in advanced car technologies, including EVs.
A group of states quickly moved to sue the Trump administration over its announcement, including California, which currently has a waiver to form its own, tougher vehicle emissions standards. California regulators worry the EPA may revoke its ability to set tougher standards while weakening existing federal requirements.
