Trump administration Tries Again to Help Automotive Companies Despite Their Enthusiasm To Be More Environmentally Friendly

Photo: Union of Concerned Scientist

Delving into the ongoing saga (legal battle) over California's emission standard which the Trump administration would like to change for the worse.  Below is a recent update from Politico Energy.



Recent reporting by Politico Energy highlights the lawsuit between California and the Trump administration on setting emission standards:

STATES, GREENS SUE OVER CAR RULE: California and 22 other states sued the Trump administration over its rollback of auto emissions standards and fuel economy rules, Pro's Alex Guillén reports . The Trump administration's final Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles rule requires automakers to improve their fuel efficiency at a rate of 1.5 percent per year through model year 2026, well below the 5 percent gains required under the Obama administration.

The states' lawsuit announced Wednesday argues the rule violates statutory requirements and also relies on faulty analyses, according to the office of California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. "Just read the text of the rule and you will discover that it is a job-killer and public health hazard. It will increase costs to consumers and allow the emission of dangerous pollutants that directly threaten the health of our families," Becerra said in a statement.

Shortly after the states announced their lawsuit, 12 environmental groups quickly followed with their own lawsuits, including the Natural Resources Defense Council, Sierra Club, Union of Concerned Scientists and Public Citizen.

For those keeping track: The state lawsuit marks the 82nd lawsuit from California against the Trump administration and the 45th environmental lawsuit, according to Becerra's spokesperson.

The Trump administration truly believes that a reversal is possible.  As I have stated time and time again on this site, Congress does not allow a law to be changed unless the result is better for both the public and the environment.  Just a thought to think about during this crazy time and reporting on the Trump administration.