By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The United Auto Workers union supports the U.S. President Joe Biden’s proposal for tougher vehicle fuel economy regulations but doesn’t support any more stringent requirements as some environmental groups would like.

In written comments to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the union stated its position. Comments were due by Oct. 26, which was still available on Wednesday.

In August, the NHTSA and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)proposed new tougher vehicle efficiency https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-epa-proposes-big-boost-vehicle-emissions-stringency-through-2026-2021-08-05 and emissions rules after the Trump administration rolled back Obama-era https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-autos-emissions-idUSKBN21I25S requirements.

The NHTSA proposes a rule that “strikes a balance between continuing to improve fleet fuel efficiency, sets achievable targets and encourages automobilemakers to invest in advanced technologies.” UAW warned tougher regulations “could undermine overall regulatory achievability… and fail acknowledge industry disruptions from the recent years.”

NHTSA proposes increasing fuel efficiency by 8% per year for models years 2024-2026. The EPA proposes a 10 percent increase in 2020 emissions, with a 5% annual improvement in the following three model years.

NHTSA was urged by the Consumer Federation of America to consider a stronger alternative. NHTSA suggested a 10% increase each year, claiming it would help consumers save at least $28 million.

General Motors (NYSE) stated Wednesday that the differences in the EPA-NHTSA proposals could make vehicles equipped with tailpipes “the mainstream compliance solution… Each dollar spent for legacy engines is a dollar wasted on future investments.

The Sierra Club environmental group criticized the NHTSA for offering “loopholes” that would “allow automakers to double down on gas-guzzlers” and award “credits for technology that doesn’t actually slash emissions.”

UAW support the NHTSA’s “restoration” of incentives for hybrid pickups or high-performing ones.

The NHTSA was urged to adopt “even stricter standards” by a group of 22 U.S. state attorneys general as well as several large cities. In September, they urged EPA https://www.reuters.com/business/environment/us-environment-agency-urged-by-21-states-toughen-vehicle-emissions-rewrite-2021-09-27 to finalize more stringent requirements.

Nick Conger, spokesperson at the EPA said that the agency will finalize the rule no later than Dec. 31.