Carb-less at the Los Angeles Auto Show
* first time in more than 50 years CARB has not been at LA Auto Show
* CARB spurns LA Auto Show over car companies that support Trump and EPA agenda
For the first time in more than 50 years, the California Air Resources Board will not be attending the LA Auto Show. Each year, top CARB officials have taken a company-by-company tour led by the Global Automakers and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers to see new vehicles and meet with company executives. This year CARB will not take that annual tour.
The decision not to attend the LA Auto Show is a direct response to the action taken last month by 15 automakers, including GM and Toyota, and the National Automobile Dealers Association, to side with the Trump administration in its effort to eviscerate California’s authority under the Clean Air Act to set its own vehicle emissions standards.
Mary Nichols, Queen of CARB, will hold a media meeting at 9 am November 20 to talk about the decisions of the companies. Oddly, she is having the media event at the same time BMW is unveiling its new products at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
Car Companies siding with California and twelve other States
Ford, Honda, Volkswagen, and BMW supports California’s authority to set vehicle emissions standards. She will also discuss the recent decision by Tesla, Rivian, and other supporters of advanced vehicle technology to intervene in the lawsuit on the side of California.
By contrast, some carmakers have joined with Trump against California. CARB says their statements explaining their rationale are in opposition to their claims of concern for the environment and are on the side of building dirty cars that pump smog-forming and carbon pollution into the air.
Car Companies siding with Trump
Those companies include Toyota, General Motors, Fiat-Chrysler, Hyundai, Isuzu, KIA, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki, Aston Martin, Maserati, Ferrari, and McLaren.
Status of California greenhouse gas vehicle emissions rules
During the period the federal action is in effect, CARB will administer the affected portions of its program on a voluntary basis, including issuing certifications for the greenhouse gas emissions and zero-emission vehicle programs.
Facts on California’s vehicle GHG waiver
Waivers: A crucial tool for fighting air pollution now and in the future
November 15, 2019
California and 23 other states file suit against U.S. EPA over vehicle waiver revocation.
October 08, 2019
California and other states move to amend the complaint from September 20, 2019, to address elements in the formal federal preemption notice posted in the Federal Register and to add the City and County of San Francisco as plaintiffs.
Federal attack on California environmental rules
September 26, 2019
In a move that appears yet again to target California specifically, Wheeler issues water quality threat: “EPA is aware of the developing homelessness crisis…”
September 24, 2019
In a move that targets California, Wheeler sends a letter: “…California has failed to carry out its most basic tasks…” in protecting air quality. It also mentions issues related to paperwork involving state air plans and backlogs on processing them.
CARB Executive Officer posts a response to the letter sent.
Chair Nichols responds in detail.
The Federal Government finalizes attempts to revoke the federal Clean Air Act waiver for California’s GHG and ZEV programs and to deem them preempted under federal law
September 20, 2019
With EPA finally having formally revoked the California waiver and NHTSA issuing its final preemption rule, California & 23 other states file suit: “…challengingTrump Administration’s attempt to trample California’s authority to maintain longstanding clean car standards. The suit is filed in the district court for the District of Columbia against the NHTSA preemption rule. CARB indicates further litigation will follow against EPA.
Governor Newsom issues an Executive Order calling on state pension funds to invest in clean vehicle technology and directs the State Transportation Agency to focus transportation investments near housing, managing congestion and encourage alternatives to driving.
September 19, 2019
EPA issues a press release announcing the formal waiver revocation and NHTSA preemption rule: “…an initial step towards finalizing the proposed Safer, Affordable, Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule.”
White House statement/h5>
Auto Alliance response
September 18, 2019
After weeks of rumored action, Trump tweets the news about revoking the waiver and issue a preemption rule: “The Trump Administration is revoking California’s federal waiver on emissions…”
In advance of the formal EPA announcement, and bolstered by Trump’s tweet, Governor Newsom, Attorney General Becerra, and CARB Chair Mary Nichols hold California press conference: “Shame on the Trump Administration for putting the health of millions of its citizens at risk…”
Attorney General Becerra issues a California press release “blasting Trump administration attempt to rob California’s legal authority to set emission standards.”
The aftermath of an agreement with four automakers
Laying the groundwork to attack California on September 17, 2019. In a speech to auto dealers in Washington, Wheeler misrepresents the action and the case for revoking California’s waiver and issuing rules expanding federal preemption: “Federalism does not mean that one state can dictate standards for the nation.”
September 6, 2019
U.S. DOJ opens an anti-trust probe against four carmakers. This action draws a Congressional request that DOJ investigates its own probe for corruption.
The Washington, DC federal circuit court hears California’s arguments against reopening Mid-term Review.
Warning to CARB Chair Mary D. Nichols/CARB: “…put California on notice…”
August 21, 2019
Trump responds to the framework agreement: “Foolish executives!”
California and automakers chart their own course
July 25, 2019
California/Automaker’s framework announced, “…provides industry the certainty needed to make investments and create jobs.”
Press release
Framework terms
July 9, 2019
Auto Alliance responds to governors: “Automakers have said many times that we support year-over-year increases in fuel economy standards…”
24 Governors appeal Trump rollback: “(We) stand together in calling for one strong, national clean car standard and support preserving state authority…”
Administration ends fictional cooperation.
June 20, 2019
U.S.EPA Chief accuses CARB Chair of dishonesty: “Ms. Nichols was unable or unwilling to be a good-faith negotiator.”
Chair Nichols debunks Wheeler’s claim in Congressional testimony.
Consumer Reports, UAW & Auto Alliance testify in favor of compromise.
June 6, 2019
White House cuts off efforts with California: “…automakers asked Mr. Trump to go back to the negotiating table…”
White House rejects automakers’ appeal: “…we are moving forward to finalize a rule…”
Automakers appeal for Trump to work with California: “…our customers expect continuous improvements in safety, efficiency, and capability.”
Automaker letter to Governor Newsom: “We urge both California and the federal government to resume discussions because avoiding protracted litigation and uncertainty is good for all parties…”
Battle for information on proposed rule and actions by California
April 5, 2019
CARB files suit against the U.S. EPA for failure to supply supporting scientific and other evidence requested under the Freedom of Information Act.
December 13, 2018
New York Times investigation released: “…it turns out that there was a hidden beneficiary of the plan that was pushing for the changes all along: the nation’s oil industry.”
October 26, 2018
Federal challenge meets pushback: “This Trump Administration attack on innovative vehicle technology jeopardizes the health of millions…”
CARB files comments on federal SAFE vehicle rule.
California submits comments showing federal proposal is deeply flawed.
September 28, 2018
Board acts to approve amendments to Deem-to-Comply provision.
August 7, 2018
CARB moves to amend vehicle regulatory Deem-to-Comply provision to state that federal vehicle emissions standards will comply with California regulations only as long as the existing One National Program GHG standards remain in place.
May 1, 2018
U.S. EPA rollback of vehicle emissions standards: CA and 17 states sue U.S. EPA/NHTSA over reopening Final Determination.
April 2, 2018
Announcement of regulatory rollback: NHTSA & U.S. EPA “…propose to amend certain existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas emissions standards…”
CARB Chair Nichols responded: “This is not a technical assessment; it is a move to demolish the nation’s clean car program.”
U.S. EPA reopens a midterm review of vehicle emissions
March 15, 2017
Auto Alliance praises Trump for reopening
of Mid-Term Review.
February 21, 2017
Auto Alliance letter to Trump requesting regulatory relief: “EPA has ample authority to withdraw the final determination on its own initiative…”
January 24, 2017
Auto CEOs meet with Trump to discuss loosening emissions rules (transcript not available).
November 10, 2016
Trump elected November 8, 2016; automakers immediately request easing of agreed-upon vehicle emissions rules.
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