On Wednesday 15 January 2017 in Detroit, beneath a vast American flag, President Trump answered 17 automakers’ call to reopen the Mid-Term Review of the 2022–25 “CAFE” automotive efficiency standards. On his fourth day in office, he’d expedited approvals for two oil pipelines, skipping further assessments (if the courts permit). This time he did the opposite, scrapping the Obama Administration’s quick decision and substituting a year’s further study. On 12 January, EPA had found—sooner than expected but based on a strong record—that the 2022–25 CAFE standards agreed by all parties in 2009–12 could indeed be profitably and practically met, and at even lower cost than expected. Many of the 2.4+ million U.S. jobs making vehicles or parts depend on that trade to make autos affordable.

Source: Forbes March 17, 2017 04:18 UTC