Upton introduces bill to establish single national fuel economy standard

State and federal fuel economy programs would be streamlined into a national program under bipartisan legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI) on Thursday to ensure that automakers and manufacturers don’t have to contend with differing state and federal standards.

Automakers currently face dissimilar federal and state fuel economy standards, including the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s Corporate Fuel Economy program and the Environmental Protection Agency’s vehicle carbon dioxide reduction program.

The Fuel Economy Harmonization Act, H.R. 4011, which Upton introduced with bipartisan support from U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-MI), would make it simpler and less expensive to realize fuel economy goals by creating a single national standard.

“The most important aspect of this bill: affordable autos for all Americans,” Upton, the chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Energy, said. “The high cost of the current conflicting regulatory requirements automakers are facing drives up manufacturing expenses, which are then passed along to consumers.”

The bill also contains a provision that would clarify that manufacturers can use credits for exceeding average fuel economy standards after model year 2009 and apply them to model years 2016 to 2021.

“Our common sense, bipartisan legislation would help deliver on the promise of a strong national fuel economy standard, replacing the current patchwork of federal and state laws,” Upton said. “I continue to support one strong national standard that increases fuel economy, reduces carbon emissions, creates jobs here in Michigan, and ensures affordability and choice for all.”