Annual Earned Fuel Economy Credits By Automakers (Gross)
Cumulative Earned EPA Credits Selected Manufacturers, 2009-16
Source: EPA. Figures current through 2016 and reflect credit status for a model year’s vehicles regardless of sale year
Source: EPA. Figures refelct total credits held at the end of 2016 for each vintage credit.
This summer, the Trump administration laid out its plan to roll back fuel efficiency standards for passenger vehicles sold between 2021 and 2025. In short, the administration is proposing to freeze the standards at 2020 levels instead of maintaining the more ambitious schedule of improvements through 2025 set forth by the Obama Administration. But EPIC Executive Director Sam Ori argues in Forbes that the administration should also consider improvements to the credit trading system as a way to reduce compliance costs.
When automakers produce vehicles whose performance exceeds fuel economy standards, they generate credits that can be sold or used to cover future shortfalls. Until recently, automakers were largely banking credits. But with low gasoline prices driving up sales of trucks and SUVs, several automakers became major credit consumers in 2016. Significantly, the big three U.S. auto companies led the industry in consuming credits, with GM, Ford, and Chrysler accounting for 75 percent of the total. Moreover, some of the big three will soon likely be out of banked credits. Not all companies are the same though–some of the most efficient, like Honda and Nissan, are still generating credits.
In theory, this should create the ideal conditions for trading. But without some key reforms to the system, that may not happen.
Areas of Focus: Transportation, Fuel Economy Standards, Transportation
Definition
Transportation
Mobility is central to economic activity. Yet, a lack of fuel diversity and continued demand growth have made the transportation industry a major contributor to global pollution and carbon emissions....
Definition
Fuel Economy Standards
Fuel economy standards are the United States’ cornerstone transportation policy aimed at reducing both oil consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. EPIC research is exploring whether these standards are structured optimally...
Definition
Transportation
Mobility is central to economic activity. Yet, a lack of fuel diversity and continued demand growth have made the transportation industry a major contributor to global pollution and carbon emissions....