The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) overturned rules passed in 2009 that repealed many of the federal vehicle emissions standards and the associated credit system that encouraged the installation of start-stop devices in cars, effectively making it a thing of the past for that market. EPA Director Lee Zeldinaccording to the president’s wishes Donald Trumpannounced a final rule eliminating the greenhouse gas vulnerability finding made during the Obama administration.
With this decision, all federal emissions standards for vehicles and engines manufactured from 2012 to 2027, as well as future models, expire. According to Zeldin, this is “the largest deregulatory action in US history” that should save citizens more than $1.3 trillion.
Rolling back Obama’s rules
The key element of the decision is the abolition of so-called “off-cycle” loans, a regulatory mechanism introduced in 2012. These credits allowed car manufacturers to, at least on paper, meet strict environmental standards by incorporating technologies such as start-stop systems, which automatically turn off the engine while the vehicle is stationary. The current administration claims that these systems have served as a legal loophole with no real evidence of measurable reductions in pollution in real-world conditions. In addition, they were hated among drivers, with potentially harmful consequences for engines, so removing incentives for them is not a bad move.
Zeldin strongly criticized the start-stop function, calling it pointless, without significant benefits for the environment, but also as an add-on that shortens the life of the battery and engine. He added that he has received numerous complaints from citizens who consider this technology irritating and imposed, so he says that the priority of their administration is consumer freedom of choice, and not forcing manufacturers to adopt technologies that the market does not accept.
The Secretary of the Ministry of Transport also supported this decision Sean Duffywho emphasized that the start-stop system has become standard in 60% of new cars, despite driver dissatisfaction. Duffy believes removing these requirements will make cars more affordable and revitalize American manufacturing.
If the agency against ecology
In addition to the direct impact on the technical features of the vehicle, the new rule abolishes the obligation to measure, report and certify greenhouse gas emissions. The EPA states that previous regulations illegally forced the transition to electric vehicles, limiting economic mobility and increasing vehicle prices. By abolishing these environmental obligations, companies want to provide flexibility in planning and return to focus on customer preferences instead of regulatory points. Finally, the EPA says that the elimination of environmental credits will encourage car manufacturers to listen to the wishes of American drivers again – and who cares about the environment…