John Boesel, CEO of CALSTART, a clean-transportation business group:
“This is a huge setback for the industry, especially suppliers that create two thirds of all U.S. auto-related jobs. Automotive suppliers are making billion-dollars bets in high-efficiency vehicle technology. Today’s announcement is likely to provoke a long battle in the courts and create a tremendous amount of uncertainty. Meanwhile, suppliers in other countries will be racing ahead to help the rest of the world meet their obligations under the global climate accord.
“Our surveys show that suppliers see the current, strong fuel economy standards as good for jobs and good for investment. If there is one thing these companies need to thrive, it’s consistent, long-term targets.
“In driving terms, today’s announcement throws the U.S. auto tech industry into neutral or possibly into reverse. Meanwhile, companies in Europe and Asia have their feet on the accelerator and are advancing rapidly. If we want to create jobs and be real global competitors, we need to be moving ahead and working toward the current standards -- not filing legal briefs and wasting our time in the courts.”
Chris Miller, executive director of Advanced Engine Systems Institute:
“We had hoped to encourage cooperation among all stakeholders and agencies when we developed and released our set of constructive principles. It’s our hope now to prevent a dramatic weakening of the federal standard and further erosion of regulatory certainty, so we can continue to innovate and invest in the United States and cut harmful pollution in a timely fashion.”
Tim Regan, President, Emission Control Technology Association:
“The NPRM could be a setback if California, industry and the federal agencies don’t come to an agreement. The automotive suppliers call on national and state policymakers, auto manufacturers and labor to unite, like they did six years ago, on standards that maintain U.S. environmental leadership, save consumers money and support our industry.”
Heidi Brock, CEO, Aluminum Association:
“We look forward to a final rule that maintains the competitiveness of North American suppliers, provides certainty to our automotive customers and, ultimately, helps deliver new cars and trucks consumers want to buy. Aluminum companies committed or invested more than $2.6 billion in auto-related manufacturing in recent years, with more potentially to come. That’s because automakers are further accelerating their use of high-strength, low-weight aluminum alloys to safely and cost effectively increase miles-per-gallon, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.”
Rasto Brezny, executive director, Manufacturers of Emission Controls Association:
“We need the agencies and California to come together and find a compromise that would continue strong U.S. leadership in the clean mobility industry. If the standards are significantly weakened, we introduce market uncertainty that will negatively impact supplier investments, jobs and innovation in the United States.”
Ann Wilson, senior Vice President of Government Affairs, Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association:
“We will continue to work with the agencies and California to develop one national standard that maintains stability for our member companies. We believe continued progress in fuel efficiency and vehicle emissions standards will allow our country to remain a leader in the technologies that make cars and trucks cleaner and more efficient here and around the globe.”