The American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) is supporting National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) efforts to revise future fuel economy standards.
The agencies said the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule for Model Years 2021-2026 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (SAFE Vehicles Rule) corrects the national automobile fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards to provide greater access to safer, more affordable vehicles cleaner for the environment.
“The return to national, unified emissions targets set at reasonable levels would be a positive step toward ensuring the vehicle fleet contains affordable options with features that meet the needs of American drivers,” Chet Thompson, AFPM’s president and CEO, said. “We applaud the administration, EPA, and NHTSA for offering this practical proposal and look forward to a final rule that reflects market realities, industry progress, and consumer preferences.”
Officials maintain the SAFE Vehicles Rule is the next generation of the Congressionally mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) is the first formal step in setting the 2021-2026 Model Year (MY) standards to be achieved by each automaker for its car and light-duty truck fleet.
“There are compelling reasons for a new rulemaking on fuel economy standards for 2021-2026,” Elaine L. Chao, Transportation Secretary, said. “More realistic standards will promote a healthy economy by bringing newer, safer, cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles to U.S. roads and we look forward to receiving input from the public.”