EPA Proposes 2-Year Delay of Vehicle Emission Standards


   
   HOUSTON TX (DTN) ---The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is 
proposing to delay compliance deadlines for Biden-era Tier 4 light- and 
medium-duty vehicle emission standards by two years, pushing enforcement to 
model year 2029.

    The action is projected to save more than $1.7 billion, the agency said in 
a statement late Thursday (5/14).

    The Biden Administration's 2024 Tier 4 standards estimated  that electric 
vehicles (EVs) would comprise a significant share of model year 2027 and beyond 
fleets. Those projections never materialized, leaving internal combustion 
engine (ICE) manufacturers facing unattainable targets, according to EPA.

   However, major automakers have responded to weak EV demand by pulling back 
investments, EPA stated.  General Motors announced a $4 billion shift toward 
ICE production and a $6 billion charge to unwind EV commitments, while Ford 
cancelled electric SUV plans and Stellantis scrapped its plug-in lineup 
entirely.

    If finalized, manufacturers would continue meeting Tier 3 standards -- 
which already deliver up to 80% emissions reductions -- for model years 2027 
and 2028 vehicles, before phasing in Tier 4 requirements with model year 2029 
fleets.

   The proposal is Part 1 of a broader Tier 4 review; Part 2 will reconsider 
the standards, phase-in schedules, and test procedures.

   This action follows the February 2026 repeal of the 2009 Endangerment and 
the June 2025 Congressional Review Act disapproval of three California vehicle 
emission waivers. A 45-day public comment period is now open.




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