Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

World

General Motors proposes National Zero Emissions Program

Mark Reuss, GM’s executive vice president of product development, said on Friday the company will propose that a certain percentage of sales nationwide be made up of vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen cells, reports the Associated Press.

“A national zero emissions program will drive the scale and infrastructure investments needed to allow the U.S. to lead the way to a zero-emissions future,” Reuss said.

On Friday, GM will spell out its proposal in written comments to a Trump administration proposal to roll back Obama-era fuel economy and emissions standards. The Trump administration wants to freeze them at 2020 levels instead of making them gradually tougher.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency are currently accepting comments on a proposed Safer Affordable Fuel Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles regulation. The two agencies are proposing to amend fuel economy and GHG emissions standards for cars and light trucks, covering model years 2021 to 2026.

Under General Motors’ scheme, the country could add over 7 million more electric vehicles to our highways by 2030. In addition to the environmental considerations, GM says a nationwide program would “preserve U.S. industrial leadership for years to come.”

A nationwide zero-emissions program would potentially reduce GHG emissions by 375 million tons between 2021 and 2030. The company’s proposal takes into consideration the current standards required in California and nine other states.

California’s Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Program uses a formula that is based on the total number of vehicles sold by an automaker and gives credits for fully electric vehicle sales and partial credits for plug-in gas-electric hybrid vehicles.

GM’s proposal would set lower zero-emissions vehicle requirements than California but spread them to the entire nation. The requirements would gradually increase until 2025. Reuss explained that the company’s proposal is at least a starting point for opening discussions on achieving zero-emissions through better fuel efficiency.

We want really one national set of standards,” he said. “Engineering to multiple standards is very costly and frankly, unnecessary.”

The deadline for written comments on the Trump administration plan are due Friday, with a final decision expected in March.

Avatar photo
Written By

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our dear friend Karen Graham, who served as Editor-at-Large at Digital Journal. She was 78 years old. Karen's view of what is happening in our world was colored by her love of history and how the past influences events taking place today. Her belief in humankind's part in the care of the planet and our environment has led her to focus on the need for action in dealing with climate change. It was said by Geoffrey C. Ward, "Journalism is merely history's first draft." Everyone who writes about what is happening today is indeed, writing a small part of our history.

You may also like:

Business

United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby said the carrier was reviewing recent incidents and would redouble safety initiatives as needed - Copyright AFP Logan CyrusUnited...

World

US President Joe Biden speaks during a reception honoring Women's History Month at the White House - Copyright AFP Brendan SMIALOWSKIDanny KEMPUS President Joe...

Business

A Milei marks 100 days in office, thousands protest his austerity measures - Copyright AFP Luis ROBAYOLeila MACORArgentina’s President Javier Milei has slashed public...

Life

The Michelin Guide unveiled its annual list of the best French restaurants, praising the "cultural dynamism" of a new generation of chefs.