A U.S. House bill proposes to unify federal and state regulations on fuel economy.
The Fuel Economy Harmonization Act, introduced by Rep. Fred Upton (R-MO) and co-sponsored by Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) is similar to legislation introduced in the Senate bill.
The bill’s goal is to assist automakers in meeting federal fuel-economy programs by making the process easier and less costly.
Under the bill, manufacturers still would be able to apply for credits for model years 2016 to 2021.
Average fuel economy would be calculated for model years 2012 to 2025 and would include off-cycle technology fuel-economy credits.
“The high cost of the current conflicting regulatory requirements automakers are facing drives up manufacturing expenses, which are then passed along to consumers,” Upton said. “Our common-sense, bipartisan legislation would help deliver on the promise of a strong national fuel economy standard, replacing the current patchwork of federal and state laws.”
Passage of the bill would make vehicles more affordable to customers, Upton said.
On the federal level, there are two fuel-economy regulations: the Environmental Protection Agency’s vehicle carbon dioxide (fuel economy) reduction program and the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Corporate Fuel Economy program.