2018-21195: Light-Duty Vehicle GHG Program Technical Amendments

Summary

EPA is proposing two technical corrections to the light-duty vehicle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards regulations finalized in the 2012 rulemaking that established standards for model years 2017- 2025 light-duty vehicles. First, EPA proposes to correct regulations pertaining to how auto manufacturers must calculate credits for the GHG program's optional advanced technology incentives. The regulations currently in place result in auto manufacturers receiving fewer credits than the agency intended for electric vehicles, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles, and natural gas fueled vehicles. Auto manufacturers requested through a petition letter submitted jointly by the Auto Alliance and Global Automakers in June 2016 that EPA correct the regulations to provide the intended level of credits for these technologies. Second, the regulations regarding how manufacturers must calculate certain types of off-cycle credits contain an error and are inconsistent with the 2012 final rule preamble, raising implementation concerns for some manufacturers. The proposed amendments would clarify the calculation methodology in the regulations. Both of these corrections allow the program to be implemented as originally intended. The proposed corrections are not expected to result in any additional regulatory burdens or costs.

The agency’s own summary, as published.

What this changes

Amends 1 part of the Code of Federal Regulations — the standing rules this notice rewrites.

• 40 CFR 86 Control of Emissions from New and In-Use Highway Vehicles and Engines