The EPA is expected to to announce its rejection of the Obama administration’s vehicle fuel efficiency rules, a move that could put automakers in the middle of a battle between the Trump administration and California.
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt plans to sign a declaration that the vehicle efficiency rules for 2022 through 2025 are “not appropriate” and must be revised.
Pruitt is expected to speak at an event at a Chevrolet dealership in suburban Washington and will be joined by groups representing dealers and automakers, according to Reuters.
The state of California, which has the power to effectively create its own fuel economy standards, several allied states and environmental groups are gearing up for a legal and political fight over the rules, aimed at curbing greenhouse gas emissions from new cars and trucks.
California Air Resources Board chair Mary Nichols said in January the board does not believe the standards should be lowered. Pruitt was in California earlier this week, but did not meet with Nichols.
Two Trump administration officials and several automakers told Reuters the timing of proposing specific revisions to existing fuel economy standards and emissions limits remains in flux. EPA officials suggested a detailed proposal could come in late May or June, while the Transportation Department is pushing for a speedier proposal, automakers and officials said.