California Threatens Walkout Over Fuel Economy Rules

The state of California says it might withdraw from U.S. emission regulations if the Environmental Protection Agency opts to reverse its earlier ruling to proceed with 2022-2025 fuel economy targets.

The threat came earlier today during EPA’s public hearing on the standards. The agency confirmed the feasibility of the targets in the last days of the Obama administration. But incoming President Trump ordered the agency to revisit the assessment and make a final determination by next April.

California is the only state allowed under the federal Clean Air Act to set its own emission rules, including those for carbon dioxide. Emissions of CO₂ are directly related to fossil fuel consumption and fuel efficiency.

Reuters notes that the Trump administration has talked with carmakers about modifying the fuel economy targets. But it says there have been no three-way discussions with manufacturers, the California Air Resources Board and EPA.

Earlier this year a dozen state attorneys general vowed a court challenge if EPA reverses itself. Declared Annette Hebert, CARB’s division chief for automotive regulations, at today’s hearing, “Science doesn’t change based on election results.”