Any new vehicle emission standards must be realistic and achievable.
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
Media contact:
Jonathan Hawkes
0434 660 801
[email protected]
Follow us on @aaacomms
The latest AAA Transport Affordability Index reveals transport cost rises exceeded the consumer price index not only in the September 2023 quarter but also over the 12 months to the end of September.
read more
Initial results of Australia’s first program to test vehicle real-world performance show the cars tested use up to 13% more fuel on the road than they did in lab tests reported by manufacturers.
read more
The quarterly update of the AAA’s EV Index shows the Australian new vehicle market continuing to change.
read more