EPA revisits GHG standards for light-duty vehicles
Posted August 22, 2017
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is reconsidering the greenhouse gas (GHG) standards previously set for model years 2022-2025 light-duty vehicles.
Specifically, the agency is asking stakeholders to offer comments, data, and relevant information to determine whether the GHG standards are appropriate under Section 202(a) of the Clean Air Act. In particular, the agency is seeking to highlight any new information on the topic.
EPA is coordinating its efforts with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA has a parallel rulemaking regarding Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for cars and light trucks for the same model years.
On March 22, 2017, EPA announced it would revisit the Final Determination of the Mid-Term Evaluation (MTE) of GHG standards for the affected vehicles. As part of a 2012 joint final rulemaking by the two agencies, the MTE process was codified in EPA regulation. It requires EPA to determine no later than April 1, 2018, whether the standards for model years 2022-2025 are appropriate.
EPA intends to meet the deadline by making a Final Determination regarding the appropriateness of the standards no later than April 1, 2018. EPA is also requesting comment on the separate question of whether the light-duty vehicle GHS standards established for model year 2021 remain appropriate, regardless of the agency's decision on the MTE.
Stakeholders may submit comments to the Federal eRulemaking Portal, referencing Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2015-0827. Parties should follow the online instructions. Once your comments are submitted, they cannot be edited or withdrawn.
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