ACEEE filed comments opposing a proposed NHTSA rule, the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicle Rule III. Vehicle fuel-efficiency standards are key to reducing fuel costs for drivers, improving air quality, and keeping our automotive industry globally competitive. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) did not propose the maximum feasible standard, as required by law, and the proposed rule will increase costs for families and businesses. By excluding plug-in vehicles in the baseline for the rule and relying on a faulty assumption that automakers will exceed the requirements of the rule, NHTSA has not met its statutory requirement and has proposed a weak rule. ACEEE urges NHTSA to maintain current strong fuel-efficiency standards for light-duty vehicles to protect families’ pocketbooks.
