House votes to block emissions rules with misconception of EV mandate

U.S. Capitol BuildingThe House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill aiming to block the EPA from finalizing stricter emissions rules for model years 2027-2032. The bill, H.R. 4468, or the "Choice in Automobile Retail Sales Act of 2023," seeks to prohibit the EPA from "finalizing, implementing, or enforcing a proposed rule with respect to emissions from...

Polestar 4 SUV has a lower carbon footprint than Polestar 2 hatchback?

2025 Polestar 4Polestar claims its upcoming Polestar 4 SUV coupe will have the lowest carbon footprint of any of its models to date. Cars tend to be more efficient than SUVs, and smaller vehicles use less material, helping to contribute to a lower carbon footprint. But Polestar says the 4, which is set to arrive in the U.S. in the latter half of 2024, will have...

UK delay of ban on gas models irks automakers, climate groups

Vauxhall Vivaro-eThe U.K. government on Wednesday said it would delay a ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars by five years—irritating both automakers and environmental groups. In 2018, the U.K. introduced a Road to Zero program that would require 50% plug-in vehicles by 2030 and 100% by 2040. Then in 2019 it moved to tighten that rule, instead...

Ford aside, automakers are fighting EV-focused EPA emissions targets

Ram 1500 REVDespite professed support for EVs, many automakers are quietly fighting proposed EPA emissions rules that would require expanded EV sales, according to the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The EPA this spring proposed tailpipe emissions rules for 2027-2032, setting a goal of reducing emissions by about 56% in 2032 compared to 2026...

Poll: Americans are sharply divided over fossil-fuel phaseout

Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park in United Arab EmiratesPhasing out fossil fuels is still a controversial issue for Americans, a recent Pew Research Center poll found. Overall, 31% of Americans surveyed said the U.S. should completely phase out fossil fuels, while 68% said the country should continue with a mix of fossil fuels and renewables. Younger respondents seemed more willing to phase out fossil...

EPA slaps Sinister Diesel with $1M emissions fine amid crackdown

Sinister Diesel logo (via Facebook)The EPA this week announced $1 million in fines for a diesel performance parts manufacturer for tampering with emissions devices. Sinister Mfg. Company, Inc.—doing business as Sinister Diesel—pleaded guilty to charges of conspiracy to violate the Clean Air Act and defraud the United States, and with violating the Clean Air Act by...

NHTSA aims for 43.5 mpg across new vehicles by 2032

I-5 traffic in SeattleThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on Friday issued a proposal to update Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light-duty trucks, calling for a fleet average of 58 mpg, according to its methodology, by 2032—which will equate to a real-world fleet efficiency average of about 43.5 mpg...

Google Maps’ eco-friendly routing: Like taking 250,000 cars off the road?

Traffic in Los Angeles on Google MapsGoogle Maps is helping reduce vehicle emissions through more efficient routing, the company claims. In October 2021, Google debuted a feature for Maps that allows drivers to select routes based on estimated fuel efficiency. Since launch, drivers have used this feature to prevent 1.2 million metric tons of estimated carbon emissions, equivalent to...

Report: GM and Stellantis paid record fuel economy fines

2017 Chevrolet SilveradoGeneral Motors and Stellantis paid a combined $363 million in penalties for failing to meet U.S. Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements for recent model years, Reuters reported Friday. The record amount includes $235.5 million paid by Stellantis for 2018 and 2019 model-year fuel economy shortfalls and $128.2 million for GM covering...