NHTSA Reverses Trump-Era Rule Preempting State Auto GHG Programs

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is revoking its Trump-era rule that declared California’s and other states’ vehicle climate programs preempted by federal fuel economy law, with NHTSA arguing the rule exceeded its authority and stating it is now officially silent on the scope of preemption under the statute. The long-expected move paves the way for the Biden administration to restore the states’ authority to enforce their greenhouse gas and zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) programs, with several sources expecting EPA...