Bipartisan Senators Float Bill To 'Harmonize' EPA, DOT Vehicle Programs

摘要

A bipartisan group of senators has introduced legislation to harmonize aspects of the Department of Transportation's fuel economy program with EPA's vehicle greenhouse gas program, a bill that reflects efforts automakers have long sought but which is already sparking fierce blowback from environmental and consumer advocates. In general, the legislation, S. 1273, eases rules governing credits that automakers use to comply with the programs but environmentalists and consumer advocates charge such provisions will increase fuel consumption and associated emissions. Relevant documents are available on InsideEPA.com. (Doc. ID: 202155) The bill closely resembles a draft measure that sources have said Sen. James Inhofe (R-OK) had been exploring in 2016, at the urging of automakers who have long chafed at lingering statutory differences between the EPA and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) programs.