API: NHTSA’s Final CAFE Standards Once Again Restrict Consumers’ Freedom to Choose

WASHINGTON, June 7, 2024 — The American Petroleum Institute (API) today released the following statement from Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) final Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for model year 2027-2032 passenger cars and light-duty trucks: 

“We are deeply concerned by NHTSA’s final rule released today. Once again, the Biden administration has acted to restrict Americans’ freedom to decide what vehicle fits their needs and budget. Combined with EPA’s recently finalized tailpipe emissions standards, these rules amount to a de facto ban by the administration on the sale of new cars and trucks using liquid fuels, which can and should be a part of the solution as we look to reduce carbon emissions. We urge Congress to step in to preserve Americans’ access to affordable, reliable, and efficient transportation.”

API supports technology-neutral policies at the federal level that drive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions in the transportation sector, taking a holistic “all-of-the-above” approach to fuels, vehicles, and infrastructure systems. Unfortunately, the final NHTSA CAFE Rule misses the mark.

API represents all segments of America’s natural gas and oil industry, which supports nearly 11 million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our approximately 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation’s energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence®, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

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