The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued an interim final rule in response to a petition from the Alliance for Automotive Innovation. This rule addresses when to increase the civil penalty rate for automobile manufacturers that do not meet corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards. The updated penalty rate will be enforced starting with the 2022 model year, unless a court decision is overturned. NHTSA has decided this rule to ensure fairness and avoid retroactive penalties, especially as manufacturers have been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Simple Explanation
The NHTSA is making a new rule that starting in 2022, car companies that don't stick to certain fuel rules might have to pay more money, but this could change if a big court decision is reversed. They're listening to what people have to say about this, especially since car makers have had a tough time during COVID-19.