Automotive and manufacturing groups lauded the Trump administration’s plan to roll back greenhouse-gas emissions rules, saying it will benefit makers of gas-powered engines and preserve consumer choice.
Now that the Environmental Protection Agency is reconsidering proposed vehicle emissions standards beginning in the 2027 model year, proponents are optimistic that easing regulations will foster a competitive global playing field for domestic automakers and suppliers. But a representative for the Electric Vehicle Association, which advocates for EV adoption, says that the action is “unfortunate.”
Here what auto industry leaders are saying about the move.
Alliance for Automotive Innovation says the action preserves consumer choice
“It’s positive the new leadership at EPA intends to revisit current greenhouse gas emissions rules. A balanced approach to emissions in the U.S. is key to preserving vehicle choice, keeping the industry globally competitive and in a position to support the country’s economic and national security in the years ahead.
As we’ve said for a long time, the existing GHG rules are extremely challenging to achieve. Even in the best of circumstances we called them the ‘ragged edge of achievable.’
Just like we said when Secretary Duffy announced a review of the CAFE program in January, because U.S. tailpipes are overseen by three federal agencies and multiple rules, any changes to EPA’s standards will have to be coordinated with the other emissions rules overseen by the Departments of Transportation and Energy.” — President and CEO John Bozzella
National Manufacturers Association commends ‘a stop to the regulatory onslaught’
“President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin have answered the calls of manufacturers across the country to rebalance and reconsider burdensome federal regulations harming America’s ability to compete—including the previous administration’s unworkable PM2.5 NAAQS rule. In December, the NAM, along with more than 100 manufacturing associations, sent a letter to President Trump highlighting more than three dozen regulatory actions the administration should take to put a stop to the regulatory onslaught that is costing manufacturers $350 billion each year—many of which are included in today’s EPA announcement.
Additionally, the EPA will be reviewing and revising other burdensome regulations in the air and chemicals space, and the NAM welcomes the opportunity to right-size these regulations that stunted manufacturing growth and job creation. Manufacturers will continue to partner with the EPA to rebalance the regulatory framework to allow our industry to move ahead with transformational investments that will strengthen our manufacturing nation.” — President and CEO Jay Timmons
Electric Vehicle Association calls decision ‘unfortunate’
“It's unfortunate that clean cars and environmental consciousness have become wrought with political tension. It's truly amazing that it's come to this.” — John Higham, board member
Specialty Equipment Market Association hopes move fuels innovation
“SEMA thanks EPA Administrator Zeldin and President Trump for this bold action. SEMA has long advocated that government mandates, including those designed to support the sale of EVs and eliminate the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, are the wrong approach to reducing motor vehicle emissions. The federal and state governments should take an ‘all of the above’ approach to vehicle technology, incentivize innovation, and allow the market to determine the best ways to reach improved emissions goals.” — Karen Bailey-Chapman, SVP for public and government affairs
