Policy
For over 50 years, the U.S. government and states have built a relationship that drives critical clean vehicle policies forward. In 2012, then-Vice President Joe Biden helped to bring about the most significant increase in national clean vehicle standards in recent history, which was supported by policy-leading states, automakers, labor, health, consumer, and climate groups.
Early efforts to address the air pollution crisis
1959: The California legislature directs the state Department of Health to regulate motor vehicle emissions.
1965: Congress adopts the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act, the first statute directing the federal government to set motor vehicle emission standards.
1966: California establishes the first tailpipe standards in the country to address dangerous smog pollution. A year later, the California Air Resources Board was established.
1967: Congress passes the Air Quality Control Act, which amends the Motor Vehicle Air Pollution Control Act. The Act generally preempts states from adopting their own vehicle emission standards, but it directs that preemption be waived for California – authorizing California to continue to set its own separate and more stringent vehicle emission regulations to address “compelling and extraordinary conditions” regarding air pollution in the state, unless certain specific findings are made. Over the ensuing decades, EPA approves more than 100 waiver requests allowing California to establish its own emission standards, thereby protecting public health and driving technological innovation.
1970: Congress passes the modern-day Clean Air Act, including provisions directing EPA to target emission reductions of 90%in carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides (NOx) from cars and light-duty trucks. Congress affirms the California waiver provision.
1977: Congress amends the Clean Air Act, including new provisions regarding EPA’s regulation of heavy-duty vehicles and engines. Congress reaffirms California’s waiver provision and revises it to increase California’s flexibility in setting its own motor vehicle emission standards. Congress also authorizes other states to adopt California’s standards.
1990: Congress amends the Clean Air Act to require more stringent emission standards for cars and light-duty trucks. It also directs EPA to regulate non-tailpipe emissions from vehicles, such as evaporative and refueling emissions. Congress again affirms the California waiver provision and the ability of other states to adopt California’s standards.
National security crisis spurs creation of national fuel efficiency standards
1975: In response to the Arab oil embargo, Congress authorizes the Department of Transportation to set Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce dependence on oil, with the aim of having passenger vehicles achieve 27.5 miles per gallon by 1985.
2007: After more than 20 years with no significant increases in fuel economy standards, and as oil prices surge to all-time highs, Congress passes and President George W. Bush signs the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA), which increases fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks to at least 35 mpg by 2020.
Auto industry bailout leads to coordinated efforts to protect consumers, the climate, and public health
2008: On the verge of bankruptcy, two of the “Big Three” U.S. automakers (GM and Chrysler) request emergency loans, prompting the U.S. and Canadian governments to provide unprecedented financial bailouts of nearly $85 billion.
2010: In the wake of this taxpayer bailout, automakers work with EPA, NHTSA, and California to develop a coordinated motor vehicle greenhouse gas emission and fuel economy program for model years 2012-2016. The result is the national clean cars standards.
2012: Following the same model set out in 2010, automakers, EPA, NHTSA, and California work together to develop a second phase of the national clean car standards, covering model years 2017-2022.
Trump Administration rolls back effective and achievable standards
2019: The Trump Administration abruptly announces an end to negotiations to maintain a coordinated national clean car program. EPA announces that it is revoking the rights of California and other states to adopt stronger greenhouse gas and zero-emission vehicle standards.
2020: Despite prior agency findings that the existing standards are feasible and cost-effective, the Trump EPA and NHTSA announce new regulations that are significantly weaker than the existing standards. The federal government is sued over both the roll back of the federal vehicle emission and fuel economy standards and the revocation of state authority. Five automakers announce a voluntary agreement with California to continue complying with California’s more stringent standards.
Biden Administration restores pre-Trump policy, reinstates California’s authority to adopt stronger rules, and moves forward with ambitious new vehicle pollution standards.
2021: On Day 1 of his administration, President Biden announces his intention to restore clean car standards to levels set under the Obama-Biden Administration, and to reinstate California’s authority to set more stringent standards. After months of analysis and public hearings, EPA finalizes new light-duty greenhouse gas emission standards in December 2021, covering passenger vehicles for model years 2023-2026, and requiring a 28.3% reduction in emissions over that time.
2022: The Biden Administration reinstates California’s authority under the Clean Air Act to adopt and enforce stronger greenhouse gas and zero-emission vehicle standards. In addition, NHTSA finalizes new, stronger fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles for model years 2024-2026. Congress passed the Inflation Reduction Act, arguably the most significant climate legislation in U.S. history, that will accelerate the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
2023: The Biden Administration announces new proposed emissions standards for light-, medium-, and heavy-duty vehicles.
2024: The Biden Administration finalizes the strongest-ever vehicle pollution standards for cars and trucks.