EPA denies automakers' request for more time on fuel economy review

The EPA yesterday told an automaker lobbyist group that it will not extend the deadline for a review of strict fuel economy standards through the 2025 vehicle model year, indicating the agency will push ahead with a plan to make the rules final before the Obama administration leaves office Jan. 20.

Acting EPA Assistant Administrator Janet McCabe informed the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which includes most major automakers in the U.S. market. The auto manufacturers group had also requested that the EPA withdraw its plans to finalize the new standards. The denial of the auto group’s requests had been expected. Extending the deadline could have allowed President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for EPA chief, Scott Pruitt, to weigh in on the rule for 2022-25 vehicles. Pruitt is an avowed critic of President Barack Obama’s efforts to curb climate change by regulating greenhouse gas emissions. Read more