Trump-California rift widens as auto emissions talks fail

[Rhiannon12866]

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. federal officials have decided to end negotiations with California over the Trump administration’s plans to roll back fuel economy rules designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, a government official said on Wednesday.

California and 19 other states have demanded the Trump administration abandon a proposal made in August to freeze fuel efficiency standards after 2020 and strip California of the ability to impose stricter rules.

Aside from the threat of increased pollution, Detroit automakers have the greatest financial interests at stake.

General Motors, Ford Motor Co and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles generate most of their global profits from sales of fuel-thirsty large pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles in the United States. All three have discontinued or planned to drop small and medium-sized sedans from their lineups to focus on trucks and SUVs.

The rules to require automakers to roughly double average fuel efficiency by 2025 – with a corresponding decline in carbon dioxide emissions – were one of the Obama administration’s most significant climate policy actions.

Since taking office, Trump has worked to roll back a broad range of Obama environmental policies that were opposed by the oil and coal industries.


Read more: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-autos-emissions-california/trump-california-rift-widens-as-auto-emissions-talks-fail-idUSKCN1Q9273



Fuel tanks are shown in National City, California, U.S. June 27, 2018. REUTERS/Mike Blake

[Massacure]

1. California could somewhat circumvent this if they wanted to

California could base it's vehicle registration fee partially on weight and get similar results. For example, California could charge $100 for a vehicle with curb weight less than 3000 lbs, $150 for 3001-400 lbs, $200 for 4001-5000 lbs, and $250 for vehicles 5001-6000 lbs, and $300 for vehicles in excess of 6000 lbs. A person looking at SUV's might be tempted more away from a Suburban and more toward a Traverse if they know it'll cost them $100 a year less.

[Rhiannon12866]

2. That's a great idea!

Someone should pass this on to Governor Newsom!