Fuel Economy in the Trump Administration: The End of the Road For CAFE?

EVENT DETAILS:
DATE: Thursday, March 12th
TIME: 5:30 – 7:00pm CST
LOCATION: University of Chicago

RSVP: Register here.

In August of 2018, the Trump administration announced its intention to dramatically roll back Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and trucks, arguing that it would make cars more affordable and improve vehicle safety. Originally implemented by the Obama Administration in 2012, the rules were projected to save 6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide, making them arguably the most significant climate regulation in U.S. history.

In the two years since the proposed rollback was announced, it has been the subject of public controversy. Several automakers that initially supported a softening of the rules have since changed course, joining a coalition that has pledged to follow stricter standards implemented by the State of California. For its part, the Trump Administration has proposed to revoke California’s right to set its own standards, setting off a protracted legal and political fight that appears destined to be adjudicated by the Supreme Court.

What is the likely path forward? And, at a time when greenhouse gas emissions in transportation are rising, and low oil prices have increasingly pushed consumers into less efficient SUVs and pick-up trucks, are fuel economy standards even the right policy, or should climate policy shift in a different direction?

Rhodium’s Emily Wimberger will be sharing her expertise at this event.