In comments to the National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the Department of Transportation (DOT), CFA has provided guidance in NHTSA’s efforts to scope out the Environmental Impact Statement that must accompany its proposed fuel economy standards for model years 2022-2025 and any reconsideration it undertakes for earlier year standards. Throughout its 50 years of existence, CFA has been a vigorous and continuous participant in the process of setting regulations to improve the efficiency of energy-using consumer durables and lower the cost of energy borne by consumers. Transportation fuels, the source of energy most directly affected by DOT regulations, are a major household expenditure, representing over 3 percent of total expenditures, one of the 6 largest subcategories listed in the consumer expenditure survey. Factoring in indirect expenditures on fuels consumed by commercial fleets, which consumers pay for in the price of goods and services, would push transportation fuel consumption above 5%, making it the third or fourth largest household expenditure.
