Corporate Average Fuel Economy

SAFE

The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient 'SAFE' Vehicles Rule

Mar. 31, 2020:  NHTSA and EPA finalize CAFE and carbon dioxide emissions standards for model years 2021-2026

The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule, issued today by NHTSA and EPA, sets tough but feasible fuel economy and carbon dioxide standards that increase 1.5% in stringency each year from model years 2021 through 2026. These standards apply to both passenger cars and light trucks, and will continue our nation’s progress toward energy independence and carbon dioxide reduction, while recognizing the realities of the marketplace and consumers’ interest in buying vehicles that meet all of their diverse needs.

Sept. 19, 2019: NHTSA and EPA establish One National Program for fuel economy regulation

"The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule Part One: One National Program" announced EPA's decision to withdraw California's waiver of preemption under Section 209 of the Clean Air Act, and finalized NHTSA's regulatory text relating to preemption under 49 U.S.C. 32919.

Sept. 21, 2018: U.S. DOT and EPA extend comment period for SAFE Vehicles proposal

To ensure that Clean Air Act requirements are met and to provide maximum lead time for automakers, U.S. DOT and EPA extended the comment period for the SAFE Vehicles proposal to October 26, 2018. DOT also extended the comment period for its Draft Environmental Impact Statement to October 26, 2018.

Aug. 2, 2018: U.S. DOT and EPA propose SAFE Vehicles Rule

The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule proposed to amend existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions standards for passenger cars and light trucks and to establish new standards covering model years 2021 through 2026. The proposal would have retained the model year 2020 standards for both programs through model year 2026.

NHTSA and EPA provided a 63-day comment period on the proposal and held three public hearings for members of the public who wished to comment in person.