Industry Divided As Half Fear Retribution From California More Than Trump

The decision last week by a group of automakers, led by General Motors and Toyota, to side with the Trump administration and against California on fuel-efficiency standards shouldn't come as a surprise.

After all, a smaller group of manufacturers, led by Honda and Ford, sided with California in July in signing a deal that would bring annual improvements in fuel efficiency and emissions in the Golden State until 2026.

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Truthy - 11/4/2019 1:29:57 PM

+8 Boost

It is not fear, it is pragmatism. I cannot believe I am saying this, but tRump is right to insist on a federal standard for MPG. If it appears Trump will win re-election, they automakers will line up on his side. Again, not out of fear, but on being able to commit to long term plans.

MDarringer - 11/4/2019 6:33:23 PM

+7 Boost

California CANNOT be allowed to be the tail that wags the dog.

CANADIANCOMMENTS - 11/4/2019 7:55:41 PM

+1 Boost

As I stated before, it would be interesting to know how far apart the two sides are now. As we read the WH has now asked for a higher standard than they were pushing before. Can a deal be made that leaves everyone happy?

MDarringer - 11/4/2019 9:22:12 PM

+3 Boost

I'd be happy with California FOREVER relinquishing its right to set separate standards in exchange for what it wants now. California CANNOT have the right to control the other 49 states. Because manufacturers will not cater individually to every state, the default would be California and that is unequal protection under the law to the inhabitants of the other 49. When Trump is re-elected California is going to get beaten to death with a lead pipe. California's mismanagement of the forests is 100% responsible for the horrific forest fires and Trump is playing hard ball with our prissy bitch governor.

valhallakey - 11/5/2019 12:03:59 AM

-4 Boost

California should be left to make it's standards as they are in a unique climate with ocean on one side and mountains on the other and prevailing winds out of the west (there is more of course) leaves them with pollution that can be trapped for a long time.

There is no equal protection involved here as there is nothing in California's policy forcing any other state to adopt California's standards. They have had this flexibility for years as scientists can demonstrate their need for additional measures and it has not caused a major issue for citizens of North Carolina, Texas, New York or any other state.

As for the forests, almost 60% are Federally managed and the Federal has cut over $40M on efforts to thin the forests and reducing the burnable fuels in the forest. The state of California on the other hand has committed an additional $200M in funds per year, for five years to "rake" those forests reducing those burnable fuels. In addition they have obtained environmental regulation waivers to cut 100s of new firebreaks.