Major automakers strike climate deal with California, rebuffing Trump on proposed mileage freeze
Source: Washington Post
Four automakers from three continents have struck a deal with California to produce more fuel-efficient cars for their U.S. fleets in coming years, undercutting one of the Trump administration’s most aggressive climate policy rollbacks.
The compromise between the California Air Resources Board and Ford, Honda, Volkswagen and BMW of North America came after weeks of secret negotiations and could shape future U.S. vehicle production, even as White House officials aim to relax gas mileage standards for the nation’s cars, pickup trucks and SUVs.
“What we have here is a statement of principles, intended to reach out to the federal government to move them off the track that they seem to be on, and on to a more constructive track,” Nichols said, adding that the companies approached California officials last month about a potential compromise.
In a joint statement, the four companies said their decision to hash out a deal with California was driven by a need for predictability, as well as a desire to reduce compliance costs, keep vehicles affordable for customers and be good environmental stewards.
Read more: https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2019/07/25/major-automakers-strike-climate-deal-with-california-rebuffing-trump-proposed-mileage-freeze/?noredirect=on&utm_term=.f90747e1c00e
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...for automakers to build one product for California and another for the rest of the country. A lot of people outside California would also like to have more fuel-efficient autos -- what kind of idiot wouldn't? -- and I can just hear the griping from the East Coast if they can't have this option readily available to them.
Bottom line: California is going to drive this trend for the nation. 
Yay, us.
