The State of Play in California for Autonomous Vehicles
More autonomous vehicles are operating in California than anywhere else in America. And yet California has some of the most extensive autonomous regulations in the country. While some other states have taken a relatively laissez-faire approach to autonomous vehicles, California’s rules are lengthy and elaborate. Even as various operators have been able to work through the requirements to operate in the state, they have been a major lift. And autonomous heavy trucking has been entirely prohibited. (more…)
EPA Memo Emphasizes “Compliance First” Enforcement Approach
On December 5, EPA’s Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance (OECA) issued a memorandum to staff affirming a “compliance first” approach to civil enforcement. The memo, signed by Acting Assistant Administrator Craig J. Pritzlaff, applies to all civil enforcement matters and reflects EPA leadership’s instruction to staff regarding inspections, investigations, and enforcement negotiations.
Department of Transportation Proposes Dramatic Rollback of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards
On December 3, in connection with a highly publicized announcement in the Oval Office and a statement from the White House, the Department of Transportation proposed a rulemaking that would reset Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks sold in the United States for model years 2022-2031. Along with Congress’s recent elimination of civil penalties for CAFE noncompliance, the proposal would roll back more stringent fuel economy targets set in previous Administrations—including the first Trump Administration. The proposed changes have significant implications for, among other things, the electric vehicle market.
Open for Business: A Look at NHTSA Auto Safety Investigations in the Second Trump Administration
The second Trump administration has seen drastic changes in the enforcement practices of many federal regulatory agencies. One area where investigative activity continues to be robust is auto safety. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has, in, recent months, been opening investigations at a brisk pace. Some of NHTSA’s work, particularly relating to autonomous operations and counterfeit equipment, has attracted substantial public attention. Other investigations have been more business as usual.