California, Automakers Finalize Emissions Deal

by Kelsey Tamborrino (Politico's Morning Energy) Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen and Volvo have formally committed to reducing the average greenhouse gas emissions of their vehicles through 2026, despite the Trump administration rolling back federal standards, Pro's Debra Kahn reports.

Under deals signed with California, the five automakers promise to maintain roughly the same emissions reductions as envisioned under the Obama administration. Instead of reducing emissions 4.7 percent per year through 2025, they will decline by 3.7 percent annually through model year 2026. The bilateral agreements between the California Air Resources Board and each automaker also include a confidential section where they detail their plans to sell zero-emission vehicles. READ MORE

Excerpt from Autobody News: This important commitment means the auto companies party to the voluntary agreement will only sell cars in the U.S. that meet these standards.

“Few issues are more pressing than climate change, a global threat that endangers our lives and livelihoods. California, a coalition of states, and these automakers are leading the way on smart policies that make the air cleaner and safer for us all,” said Gov.Gavin Newsom. “I now call on the rest of the auto industry to join us, and for the Trump administration to adopt this pragmatic compromise instead of pursuing its regressive rule change. It’s the right thing for our economy, our people and our planet.”

Under the framework, gasoline and diesel cars and light trucks will get cleaner through 2026 at about the same rate as the current program. It also supports a national program that will result in at least 30% more greenhouse gas emission reductions compared to splitting up the standards between those followed by California and 13 other states and the less stringent standards proposed by the Trump administration.

“This agreement represents a feasible and acceptable path to accomplishing the goals of California and the automobile industry,” said California Air Resources Board Chair Mary D. Nichols. “If the White House does not agree, we will move forward with our current standards but work with individual carmakers to implement these principles. At the same time, if the current federal vehicle standards proposal is finalized, we will continue to enforce our regulations and pursue legal challenges to the federal rule.”

The announcement comes as the Trump administration is preparing to roll back federal vehicle emission standards, effectively freezing them at the 2020 level through the 2026 model year. READ MORE