Carper Statement on Auto Manufacturers Dropping Support for Trump Administration’s Cars Rule

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tom Carper (D-Del.), top Democrat on the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, released the following statement after the Coalition for Sustainable Automotive Regulation (CSAR), a group that represents automakers including Toyota, Hyundai, and Fiat Chrysler, announced that it will drop its support for the Trump Administration’s illegal greenhouse gas emissions and fuel economy standards rollback, withdraw from a legal fight with the state of California, and work with the Biden Administration to set new federal standards.

“It is certainly welcome news that Toyota, Hyundai, and Fiat Chrysler are abandoning the Trump Administration’s push to roll back auto emissions standards, withdrawing from legal challenges with the state of California, and committing to work with the Biden Administration. This announcement brings us closer to the reality of a 50-state solution—one that would provide near-term flexibility as the industry moves toward stronger standards. Together, I know that we can tackle our climate crisis head-on in a way that promotes American jobs, protects clean air, and supports the clean cars of the future.

“For over a year, I have repeatedly told automakers that merely withdrawing support from the Trump Administration’s illegal rollback and challenge to state authority is not enough—not when the future of our economy and planet are at stake. I’ve encouraged automakers to work with California and the federal government to find common ground. We need a bold agreement—one that would achieve continuous annual reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and other harmful air pollutants, while also saving consumers money.

“Automakers like Ford, Honda, Volkswagen, BMW, and Volvo have taken the lead on forging a pathway for this. Automakers should engage with the Biden Administration, and the Administration should work to make long-term emissions reduction a reality. We know that now is not the time to be stuck on neutral. It’s time to kick it into gear and pursue a path that will bring stability to the auto industry, promote American workers, save consumers money, and help address climate pollution.”

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