Automakers Say Deal Should Prevent States from Setting Emissions Standards

U.S. automakers say congressional legislation to boost U.S. fuel-economy standards 40% should halt efforts by states to restrict emissions, Bloomberg reported Monday.

Friday’s accord to overhaul fuel rules for the first time in three decades would require cars and light trucks to average 35 mpg by 2020, Bloomberg reported.

Automakers and some legislators say the mandate should be taken into account as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency prepares to decide on a California proposal to let states decide on pollution standards, Bloomberg said.

California’s greenhouse gas law, passed in 2002, requires a 30 percent reduction in vehicle emissions linked to global warming by 2016. The state is seeking permission from the EPA to implement the law.

Massachusetts, Vermont, New York and eight other states have adopted the standards pending EPA approval.

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