Improving Energy Security, American Competitiveness and Job Creation, and Environmental Protection Through a Transformation of Our Nation's Fleet of Cars And Trucks

This memorandum directs EPA and NHTSA to develop joint fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards for medium- and heavy-duty trucks (model year 2014, final rule by July 30, 2011) and passenger cars/light-duty trucks (model years 2017-2025). It also requests EPA review of non-greenhouse gas vehicle emissions regulations and DOE promotion of advanced vehicle infrastructure and voluntary standards.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 29399

Impact dates

Jul 30, 2011
Final rule for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle fuel efficiency and GHG standards
Sep 30, 2010
Notice of Intent to Issue Proposed Rule for 2017-2025 light-duty standards
Sep 1, 2010
Technical assessment with California for 2017-2025 light-duty standards

Key directives

EPA and NHTSA immediately begin joint rulemaking for medium- and heavy-duty vehicle standards (MY 2014), final rule by July 30, 2011
EPA and NHTSA propose strategies to achieve substantial annual progress in reducing transportation sector emissions and fossil fuel consumption
EPA and NHTSA develop technical assessment with California by September 1, 2010 for 2017-2025 light-duty standards
EPA and NHTSA issue Notice of Intent by September 30, 2010 for 2017-2025 light-duty standards
EPA review current non-GHG emissions regulations for adequacy and promulgate new regulations if required
Secretary of Energy provide technical assistance to cities for electric vehicle deployment
Department of Energy develop voluntary standards for advanced vehicle technologies with stakeholder input

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

EPA and NHTSA begin joint rulemaking work on medium- and heavy-duty truck standards
EPA review of current non-GHG emissions regulations for adequacy

Near term (90d)

EPA and NHTSA develop technical assessment with California by September 1, 2010
EPA and NHTSA issue Notice of Intent by September 30, 2010

Long term

Final rule for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles by July 30, 2011
Development of 2017-2025 light-duty vehicle standards
Deployment of advanced vehicle technologies and infrastructure

Risks & tensions

Harmonization with California state standards may create friction with industry preference for single national standard
Trade-off between stringent standards and sufficient lead time for manufacturers
Subject to availability of appropriations may limit implementation
Medium- and heavy-duty truck sector diversity complicates uniform standard-setting
International trade obligations constraint mentioned but unspecified in scope