European car makers have successfully lobbied for a watering down of tougher emissions law, says green group Transport & Environment.
MEPs of the European Parliament’s transport committee voted in favour of a non-binding opinion supporting the weak Commission proposal on emissions cuts from new cars and vans.
Transport & Environment regrets the votes as the Commission proposal will undermine Europe’s chances to meet Paris climate goals and deteriorate the competitiveness of the auto industry.
The draft law, published by the Commission in November 2017, requires CO2 emissions from new cars to fall by just 30% between 2021 and 2030 – with an intermediate target of 15% for 2025.
Julia Poliscanova, clean vehicles manager (right) at T&E, said, “Today’s MEPs opinion means that the industry can keep selling diesel cars in Europe while developing and manufacturing the cars of the future elsewhere.
“European automakers are investing seven times more in electrification in China than in Europe. This is the real risk to European jobs and competitiveness. The ball is now in the leading environment committee’s court. MEPs should correct the course and set ambitious goals that will reduce drivers’ fuel bills, cut emissions and ensure investment in the technologies of the future happens in Europe.”
The lead environment committee of the European Parliament is expected to vote on its report on 10 September, after which the regulation will pass into law in early October if all member states agree.