Concerned auto executives to meet with Trump over fuel economy rules

May 11 (UPI) — Executives with major U.S. automakers will meet with President Donald Trump Friday to discuss the federal government’s revised rules about fuel economy and emission standards.

The meeting will take place at 11:45 a.m. EDT at the White House.

The executives will speak with Trump about the impact of the rules on the auto industry and their efforts to negotiate a national program with the state of California.

Last month, the Trump administration announced it may revoke California’s ability under the Clean Air Act to impose stricter standards than the federal government’s for vehicle emissions.

The administration’s plan to abandon the goal of getting vehicles to average California’s standard of 55 miles per gallon by 2025 is concerning for automakers.

After the announcement, a coalition of 17 states sued the Environmental Protection Agency over the efforts to roll back Obama-era fuel efficiency standards.

The auto companies had once lobbied for relief from the federal mileage targets, but the administration’s plan to freeze fuel economy targets at less than 42 miles per gallon is too much of a turnaround.

The head of the Auto Alliance, in congressional testimony this week, made it clear automakers are not on board with administration’s proposal.

A joint statement by the alliance and Global Automakers calls for a plan it says all states could support.

“We expect to share the importance of government policies that provide certainty to the auto sector, continue to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reflect what consumers will buy and result in a national policy that includes California,” the statement said.

Along with leaders of auto groups, others executives expected to attend Friday include those from General Motors, Nissan, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Ford, BMW, Fiat Chrysler, Honda, Hyundai and Volkswagen.

Also expected to attend are Trump administration leaders from the EPA, Department of Transportation, the U.S. Trade Representative and National Economic Council.