Latest EPA report a wake-up call on stringent vehicle emissions standards

Australia’s peak motoring body calls upon the Australian Government to closely examine the factors which led the US Environmental Protection Agency to overnight declare current US greenhouse gas emission standards for light vehicles too stringent and in need of amendment. The EPA Determination said the 2012 introduction of strict CO2 emission standards has resulted in significant price rises for new vehicles and related negative effects for consumers, including for road safety. The Report says vehicle manufacturers are confronted with many challenges from the strict CO2 emission standards:

“…due to feasibility and practicability, raises potential concerns related to vehicle safety, and results in significant costs to consumers, especially low-income consumers.”

The Determination confirms the need for the Australian Government to ensure vehicle emission standards currently being developed are realistic and achievable. AAA Chief Executive Michael Bradley said: “This report is a timely reminder of the need to set sensible and achievable CO2 emissions limits for Australian vehicles. “With the Government due to release new emission standards shortly, it is important it fully consider the factors that led to America setting unachievable targets and the various impacts this has had upon motorists. “The AAA supports the introduction of a CO2 standard for Australian new light vehicles that is appropriate to Australia’s fleet and requirements, preserves vehicle choice, and delivers credible environmental benefit.” The EPA determination points to many perverse policy outcomes due to vehicle manufacturers being forced to increase vehicle prices, such as households being unable to purchase new, lower emission vehicles, instead keeping their older, higher emitting vehicles, longer. The EPA Determination is available here: https://www.epa.gov/regulations-emissions-vehicles-and-engines/midterm-evaluation-light-duty-vehicle-greenhouse-gas   ENDS

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Media contact: Jonathan Hawkes 0434 660 801 media@aaa.asn.au Follow us on @aaacomms