Pruitt said the Obama administration's rules that set a 54-mile per gallon standard by 2025, up from the current average of 38.3 mpg, were "Not appropriate" in light of recent automobile sales data and should be revised.
The decision sets up a fight with California and 12 other states that had adopted the tougher Obama standards as a way of reducing man-made greenhouse emissions that many climate scientists say contribute to climate change.
California, which can set its own fuel-efficiency standards that other states may follow, could move to formally separate its rules from the national program if EPA weakens the standards.
Pruitt on Monday said he is still examining whether to allow California to keep its waiver, permitted by the federal Clean Air Act, to force the state to follow weaker standards.
"Cooperative federalism doesn't mean that one state can dictate standards for the rest of the country. EPA will set a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions that allows auto manufacturers to make cars that people both want and can afford - while still expanding environmental and safety benefits of newer cars. It's in everyone's best interest to have a national standard, and we look forward to working with all states, including California, as we work to finalize that standard," Pruitt said.
The Obama rules required the EPA to conduct a midterm evaluation of whether the auto market could meet the standards.
Supporters of the Obama standards argue the auto industry could lag on climate action if it is not pushed by government.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy/epas-scott-pruitt-kills-obamas-54-mpg-auto-rules-huge-fight-coming
The decision sets up a fight with California and 12 other states that had adopted the tougher Obama standards as a way of reducing man-made greenhouse emissions that many climate scientists say contribute to climate change.
California, which can set its own fuel-efficiency standards that other states may follow, could move to formally separate its rules from the national program if EPA weakens the standards.
Pruitt on Monday said he is still examining whether to allow California to keep its waiver, permitted by the federal Clean Air Act, to force the state to follow weaker standards.
"Cooperative federalism doesn't mean that one state can dictate standards for the rest of the country. EPA will set a national standard for greenhouse gas emissions that allows auto manufacturers to make cars that people both want and can afford - while still expanding environmental and safety benefits of newer cars. It's in everyone's best interest to have a national standard, and we look forward to working with all states, including California, as we work to finalize that standard," Pruitt said.
The Obama rules required the EPA to conduct a midterm evaluation of whether the auto market could meet the standards.
Supporters of the Obama standards argue the auto industry could lag on climate action if it is not pushed by government.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/energy/epas-scott-pruitt-kills-obamas-54-mpg-auto-rules-huge-fight-coming
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