International Automakers Association Supports Plan for Single National Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Fuel Economy Program

AIAM expresses support for harmonized effort by EPA and NHTSA

ARLINGTON, Va., — Michael J. Stanton, President and CEO of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Inc. (AIAM) testified at a hearing today in support of a comprehensive and harmonized national approach to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions while improving fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks.

“The overriding issue that must be addressed now is how the necessary emission reductions and fuel economy improvements can most efficiently and effectively be achieved,” said Stanton. “We strongly believe that a single national program to regulate greenhouse gas emissions from, and improve the fuel economy of, motor vehicles is the only sensible approach, with EPA, NHTSA, California and other states and localities playing important complementary roles.”

The third in a series of joint hearings is being held today in Los Angeles, Calif., by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on proposed harmonized rulemaking for GHG emissions and Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) for 2012 through 2016 model year vehicles.

Stanton applauded the compliance flexibility in the proposal. “Such flexibility is of critical importance for manufacturers that must make the necessary design changes while continuing to meet consumer preferences and market demand. Implementing these comprehensive changes is a difficult undertaking under any circumstances but is particularly difficult in the current economic environment.”

Stanton also stressed the critical role adequate lead time plays as part of this program due to the complexity of designing and integrating next-generation technologies into new vehicles. Building adequate lead times into the rulemaking is also consistent with President Obama’s commitment for the federal government to work with all stakeholders to extend the national program beyond the time frame of the current proposal.

To read Mr. Stanton’s full testimony, go to www.aiam.org/public/aiam/media/con_statements.aspx?PRID=331 – Association of International Automobile Manufacturers