In the wake of the Volkswagen diesel emissions scandal, General Motors powertrain chief, Dan Nicholson, is preparing to launch a campaign for emissions harmonization globally.
According to Automotive News, Nicholson said he will use his upcoming presidency of the International Federation of Automotive Engineering Societies to push for an alignment of emissions standards globally, with a focus on the United States and Europe.
“I’m not sure any of the European regulators are happy with the status quo,” he said.
He noted the differences between upcoming European Union emissions standards and U.S. EPA standards were marginally different, but engineering the same cars to pass both costs “hundreds of millions of dollars” a year across the industry.
“We want all our engineering resources focused on improving air quality and reducing CO2. With different sets of rules, we have to put our engineering resources into nuanced regulatory differences rather than working on the root problem,” Nicholson said.
However, the one challenge remains in the California Air Resources Board, which sets its own standards for the state. Though, he noted the EPA and CARB are working more closely than ever.
The call comes at a crucial time, as China works to firm up its own emission standards, too.
“With China in discussions right now, we are at a key pivot point. I’m concerned that if we miss our opportunities now they won’t come again for a long time.”
Comments
Frankly it is time CARB is disbanded and the EPA take over. It is a throwback to the 70s and is not needed. It is nuts having one standard on CA and the US the rest.
the EPA should also not be allowed to do “regulation” without first clearing it with Congress long term. It has the habit of allowing zealots sometimes in who don’t take cost/benefit into consideration.
This has been my dream but our problem today is many other states like NY and others have or are looking into adopting the CARB standards and practices.
It is even sadder that someone on an automotive site would vote your comment down as it is reasonable and logical.
More could be done and gained for our country in many areas if these regulators and the industry worked together vs. forcing regulation on us that generally can not be met as CARB has done and have had to resend in the past.
But then again we have people now blaming the terror attacks on emissions, Global warming and even the economy. Some really think they are attacking us and Europe because of their lack of economic growth?
At times I wonder who there people are representing as someone has to be putting them up to this. It is no wonder these terrorist are attacking as we must look crazy with some of what these people are claiming.
I am not sure I agree with anything you said!