Washington, D.C.—In response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) newly final determination that the fuel economy standards for model years 2022 – 2025 are not appropriate, Robbie Diamond, President and CEO of Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) released the following statement:

“Today’s decision should move us a step closer to a final rule that reflects the two prevailing market realities: Low fuel prices have pushed consumers towards less efficient vehicles, but the nation needs one national program on fuel economy that is both strong and incorporates the full suite of advanced vehicle technologies from electric vehicles to connected vehicles.”

“A workable solution remains possible and critically important. The federal government, the auto industry and California must continue to work together in good faith to enhance America’s long-term energy security in a geopolitically unstable world. If the parties can seize the opportunity to optimize this process, and avoid diverging standards between California and the federal government, the outcome will be a win-win for consumers, the auto industry, and our national security.”

“SAFE sees a path forward that provides flexibility to automakers that incorporates any efficiency gains of advanced driver assistance and semi-autonomous technologies to save both fuel and thousands of lives on U.S. roadways. In the coming months, we forward to continuing our work with all sides to encourage collaboration and shape an outcome that is best for all stakeholders and our country at large.”

About Securing America’s Future Energy

Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) is an action-oriented, nonpartisan organization that aims to reduce America’s dependence on oil. Near-total dependence on petroleum in the transportation sector undermines the nation’s economic and national security, and constrains U.S. foreign policy. To combat these threats, SAFE advocates for expanded domestic production of U.S. oil and gas resources, continued improvements in vehicle fuel efficiency, and transportation sector innovations including electric vehicles, natural gas trucks, and autonomous vehicles. In 2006, SAFE joined with General P.X. Kelley (Ret.), 28th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps, and Frederick W. Smith, Chairman, President, and CEO of FedEx Corporation, to form the Energy Security Leadership Council (ESLC), a group of business and former military leaders committed to reducing the United States’ dependence on oil. Today, the ESLC is co-chaired by Frederick W. Smith and General James T. Conway (Ret), 34th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps.

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