An MLive article published on March 15, “University of Michigan professors discuss Trump’s fuel economy review,” discusses President Trump’s plan to challenge the current Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) emissions targets that were central to President Obama’s strategy to combat climate change.
The article states that University of Michigan professors believe that while President Trump’s plan to reevaluate these fuel efficiency requirements could benefit the auto industry in Michigan, it would stunt progress in decreasing greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
"You have to wonder what happens with energy prices and consumer demand," says Barry Rabe. "Do electric vehicles have a future, or do they fade away?"
“Trump’s decision,” says Rabe, “reflects a major reversal for American vehicle production from its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and continues a recent pattern of relying on executive agency actions rather than involving Congress or the states.”
Barry Rabe is the J. Ira and Nikki Harris Family Professor of Public Policy at the Ford School, an Arthur F. Thurnau Professor, and a professor in the School of Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan.