A broad coalition of free market organizations, anti-tax advocates, and Hispanic groups late Friday embraced the Trump administration’s new vehicle fuel efficiency rule, saying it will save lives and money.
Organized by the American Energy Alliance, over 40 groups signed a letter that defended the Department of Transportation’s and the Environmental Protection Agency’s massive regulatory change that pulled back an Obama-era rule that many said went too far in the name of climate change.
“The new rule is projected to save Americans $1,400 over the life of a new vehicle. More importantly, it will reduce collision fatalities by more than 3,300 annually, and it will reduce hospitalizations by tens of thousands. This rule gives consumers a chance to have newer, safer, and more affordable vehicles,” said the letter shared with Secrets.
It was signed by several influential groups, including Americans for Tax Reform, the American Energy Alliance, Competitive Enterprise Institute, American Commitment, FreedomWorks, the Heartland Institute, Hispanic Leadership Fund, Project 21, and the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
“This plan empowers consumers and car buyers,” it concluded.
The letter gives needed support to President Trump, Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao, and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler for bringing former President Barack Obama’s rule into reality. Several foes had said that his goal of improving fuel efficiency 5% a year led to less safe, lighter cars.
Chao said the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient vehicles rule “reflects the Department’s #1 priority-safety-by making newer, safer, cleaner vehicles more accessible for Americans who are, on average, driving 12-year-old cars. By making newer, safer, and cleaner vehicles more accessible for American families, more lives will be saved, and more jobs will be created.”
In making the move, which lessens the requirement to 1.5% a year, Trump cemented his reputation as a regulation buster. He has reduced Obama-era regulations far more than promised and cut billions of dollars in regulatory costs.
American Energy Alliance President Thomas Pyle said, “There is no better symbol of the American commitment to personal freedom than the car. From that moment when you get your license, the car provides you with true choice and control over your destiny. We continue to see this administration creating an environment of choice instead of mandates, which ultimately give us freedom. Freedom to drive and free to thrive.”
In a statement to Secrets, he said, “The rule puts power back into the hands of drivers, not bureaucrats and, most importantly, it will save lives. This is a win all around.” And he added, “We applaud the hard work of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler and their teams. This rule will make vehicles less expensive, safer, and put consumers back in the driver’s seat.”
