Administrator Zeldin Eliminates Off-Cycle Credit for Almost Universally Hated Start-Stop Feature in Vehicles
WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin eliminated the off-cycle credit that was used to implement the almost universally hated start-stop feature in American vehicles. This is a direct result of Administrator Zeldin signing the final rule eliminating both the Obama-era 2009 Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Endangerment Finding and all subsequent federal GHG emission standards for all vehicles and engines with model years 2012 to 2027 and beyond. The final action, which Administrator Zeldin announced today with President Trump at the White House, eliminates all off-cycle credits, including for what many Americans refer to as the single worst feature in cars—auto start-stop buttons. An off-cycle credit is a government-created concept that let auto manufacturers meet federal GHG standards on paper, by adding features like the almost universally hated start-stop feature, resulting in questionable emission reductions.
“As I traveled across all 50 states this past year, I heard from countless Americans who not only dislike the start-stop feature but passionately advocated for this mechanism to be a thing of the past. Not only do many people find start-stop annoying, but it kills the battery of your car without any significant benefit to the environment. The Trump EPA is proudly fixing this stupid feature at Trump Speed,” said Administrator Zeldin. “Automakers should not be forced to adopt or rewarded for technologies that are merely a climate participation trophy with no measurable pollution reductions. Consumer choice is a top priority for the Trump EPA, and we are proud to continue delivering commonsense rules for the American people.”
“This Administration is taking a whole-of-government approach to make cars more affordable again. Whether it’s resetting mileage standards or abolishing an idiotic start-stop requirement that every driver hates, President Trump’s auto dream team is working overtime to lower costs and revitalize American manufacturing. I want to commend Administrator Zeldin for his leadership and look forward to continuing deliver results for the American people,” said U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
The start-stop off-cycle credit was created by the Obama EPA in 2012. Over a decade later, it has led to the start-stop systems, which automatically shut off a vehicle’s engine when waiting at red lights and other times of idling, becoming a standard piece of equipment across all vehicles. However, this feature has proven to be nothing more than a regulatory loophole that allowed automakers to claim GHG credits without delivering real-world emission reductions or benefits to human health.
Over the last decade, frustration has grown across America over this “green technology.” With about 60 percent of new cars having the feature, consumer choice was extremely limited to the millions of Americans who did not want the technology in their cars. With the elimination of the off-cycle credits, manufacturers will be incentivized to listen to what Americans actually want in their cars. Today’s final decision reinforces the Trump EPA’s commitment to consumer choice.
Background
Earlier today, Administrator Zeldin finalized the single largest deregulatory action in U.S. history. The 2009 Endangerment Finding was used to justify trillions of dollars in regulations, including the Obama and Biden Administrations’ illegal push towards Electric Vehicle (EV) mandates and compliance requirements, while simultaneously driving up the cost of vehicles for American families and small businesses—limiting economic mobility and the American Dream. The final rule will save Americans over $1.3 trillion by removing the regulatory requirements to measure, report, certify, and comply with federal GHG emission standards for motor vehicles, and repeals associated compliance programs, credit provisions, and reporting obligations that exist solely to support the vehicle GHG regulatory regime. Americans will have certainty, flexibility and regulatory relief, allowing companies to plan appropriately, and empowering American families.
After considering the public comments, Administrator Zeldin is providing certainty with respect to the hated start-stop feature, by eliminating it as part of the removal of all GHG standards for all motor vehicles.