US returns to more lenient car emissions standards under Trump

WASHINGTON (AP/RTR/BLOOMBERG) — The United States is backing away from relaxing emissions standards for cars under Trump. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new requirements that will force automakers to cut carbon dioxide emissions from their cars about 23 percent more than standards set by President Donald Trump.

It was previously clear that the Joe Biden government wanted to introduce stricter rules again. The Environmental Protection Agency had already come up with a proposal in August, but the requirements were a little less stringent than the plans being presented now. At the time, this earlier proposal was still highly criticized by environmental organizations.

According to experts, the new requirements, which are due to enter into force within 60 days and apply to passenger cars, SUVs and light trucks from 2023 to 2026, are more stringent than ever. However, there are also several incentive schemes that should give car manufacturers more flexibility to meet the requirements.

The new standards are expected to boost sales of electric vehicles, among other things. The move should help Biden deliver on his promise to at least halve greenhouse gas emissions in the world’s largest economy by the end of the decade. However, this will require many additional measures.

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