February 02, 2021 Press Release

Statement on Biden's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction Program

Unified Auto Industry Pledges to Work with Biden Administration on Establishing National Program to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions

‘What unites our industry in pursuing a revised national program is a simple premise – a resolution that has the support of all stakeholders could set the industry on an accelerated path for reducing GHG emissions, build a robust market for electric vehicles, and resolve on-going litigation. Addressing such near-term issues will provide regulatory clarity, advance our shared environmental goals, and lay the foundation for future efforts.’

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. auto industry is aligned with the Biden Administration’s goals to achieve net-zero carbon transportation and an accelerated shift to electric-drive vehicles, and is committed to working with the administration on a revised national program that includes California, brings all automakers under a unified set of common requirements and ensures a level, competitive playing field. Auto Innovators represents the manufacturers that produce nearly 99 percent of all light-duty vehicles sold in the United States, along with original equipment suppliers, technology companies and other automotive-related value chain partners.

“Our goal is to work collaboratively with the administration to achieve greater environmental improvements than current requirements, sooner, while providing benefits for consumers, creating opportunities for job creation, and strengthening our nation’s economy,” said John Bozzella, President and CEO of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

The auto industry has long committed to both reducing GHG emissions and bolstering the American workforce – the sector supports 10 million jobs from coast to coast. By 2023, the industry plans to invest $250 billion in vehicle electrification. Today’s announcement underscores the industry’s goal of initiating a discussion with the administration on a new framework to reestablish a national program for automobile GHG emissions.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation proposes to start a discussion with the Biden Administration centered on three main areas:

·         A revised national program that includes California, brings all automakers under a unified set of common requirements and ensures a level, competitive playing field;

·         This program should achieve improvements in GHG emissions roughly midway between current standards and those of the former Obama Administration, and balance environmental progress, safety, affordability, innovation, and jobs; and

·         This revised, industry-wide national program should take the opportunity to modernize the current regulatory approach to focus on GHG emissions, which presents one of the most pressing environmental policy goals the nation faces. It should also support vehicle electrification in the market, with a range of compliance incentives, including expanded multipliers for electrification, and reforms that will be complemented by other important federal, state, and local investments and policies that support the transition to a zero-emission future.

“What unites our industry in pursuing a revised national program is a simple premise – a resolution that has the support of all stakeholders could set the industry on an accelerated path for reducing GHG emissions, build a robust market for electric vehicles, and resolve on-going litigation. Addressing such near-term issues will provide regulatory clarity, advance our shared environmental goals, and lay the foundation for future efforts,” Bozzella added.

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About the Alliance for Automotive Innovation

Formed in 2020, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation is the singular, authoritative and respected voice of the automotive industry. Focused on creating a safe and transformative path for sustainable industry growth, the Alliance for Automotive Innovation represents the manufacturers producing nearly 99 percent of cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. The newly established organization, a combination of Global Automakers and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, will be directly involved in regulatory and policy matters impacting the light-duty vehicle market across the country. Members include U.S. operations of international motor vehicle manufacturers, original equipment suppliers, technology and other automotive-related companies and trade associations. The Alliance for Automotive Innovation is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in Detroit, MI and Sacramento, CA. For more information, visit our website http://www.autosinnovate.org.

Press Contacts:

Wade Newton, Vice President, Communications

wnewton@autosinnovate.org

202 326 5571