Cramer Statement on Rollback of Regulations on Fuel Economy Standards

Press Release

Congressman Kevin Cramer released the following statement on yesterday's announcement about revisions to fuel economy regulations for automobiles proposed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles rule proposes changing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks for model years 2021 through 2026.

"The SAFE Vehicles proposal is a win for consumers and the American economy. A rollback of overreaching Obama-era regulations on CAFE standards means lower vehicle costs and greater consumer choice and safety. The standards in this proposal strike a more realistic balance between energy conservation and what's happening in the marketplace. The proposal also recognizes the value of high octane fuels in meeting more stringent fuel economy standards, something North Dakota corn growers and ethanol producers can play a big role in which wasn't acknowledged in the current standard."

A previous commitment to a Midterm Evaluation of the 2022-2025 standards was needlessly expedited and finalized days before the end of the previous Administration. The Trump Administration announced in March 2017, it would reopen a transparent and open Midterm Evaluation process.

Last month, Cramer and Senator John Hoeven sent a letter to Heidi King, Deputy Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, expressing their support to reexamination of technological feasibility and consumer realities of the current regulations, while highlighting North Dakota's contribution to our nation's liquid transportation fuel market.

The agencies are seeking comment and will hold public hearings. More information can be found here: https://www.nhtsa.gov/corporate-average-fuel-economy/safe.

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