As we
previously discussed in May, the European Commission has been
considering proposals to significantly reduce CO2
emissions from vehicles. The draft law for vehicles proposed
CO2 reduction targets of 15 percent by 2025 and 30
percent by 2030, with 2021 as a baseline. Last month, the
Commission's environment committee voted to increase the
reduction percentages to 45% in 2030. The parliament's vote on
emissions targets was set for October 3, 2018.
Leading up to the vote, Forbes reported a "lobbying frenzy".
German Chancellor Angela Merkel publicly denounced raising the proposed 30%
target, and environmentalists decried her statements as a
"shabby horse trade" with automakers—swapping lower
CO2 targets for automakers retrofitting diesel engines
already in the marketplace to reduce emissions. The European
Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA) warned about
"disruptive socio-economic impacts" from
more aggressive CO2 reduction targets.
