National Vehicle Emission Standards Harmonization Act

Congress finds that a single national standard for vehicle emission standards is essential to protect interstate commerce, reduce compliance costs, and ensure consistent environmental protection across all states. The current patchwork of state-specific standards, including California's Advanced Clean Car Program and Zero Emission Vehicle amendments, imposes undue burdens on manufacturers and consumers without achieving corresponding environmental benefits beyond what a robust national standard could provide. Within 18 months of enactment, the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency shall issue a final rule establishing uniform tailpipe emission standards for light-duty vehicles that are at least as stringent as the strictest state standard in effect on the date of enactment, including California's program. The rule shall be based on best available technology, cost-effectiveness analysis, and public health considerations. The Administrator shall consult with the National Academy of Sciences and the Department of Energy in developing the rule. Upon the effective date of the final rule, the waiver granted to California under Clean Air Act Section 209(b) for the Advanced Clean Car Program and the Zero Emission Vehicle amendments for 2017 and earlier model years shall be deemed withdrawn. No state may adopt or enforce its own emission standards for light-duty vehicles that differ from the federal standard established under this Act. The federal standard shall apply uniformly in all states. The Administrator shall conduct a comprehensive study of the economic, environmental, and public health impacts of the national standard, including its effect on vehicle prices, consumer choice, and air quality. The study shall be submitted to Congress within 3 years of the rule's effective date, along with recommendations for any adjustments. The rule shall be subject to judicial review under the Administrative Procedure Act. This Act shall sunset 5 years after the effective date of the final rule, unless reauthorized by Congress. The national standard established by the rule shall remain in effect after sunset unless the EPA, through a new rulemaking, revises or replaces it.