WASHINGTON – On Monday, Environmental Protection Agency administrator Lee Zeldin suggested that drivers are gearing up to reconsider the functionalities of a certain car feature, regardless of its benefits.
In a tweet that received over 8 million views, Zeldin remarked, “Start/Stop Technology: Businesses get a climate participation trophy as your car dies at all red lights.” He added, “The EPA approves it and everyone hates it, so we’re fixing it.”
This technology, promoted by supporters for its potential to shut down internal combustion engines at red lights, could save fuel and reduce emissions. However, skeptics are concerned about potential wear and tear on a car’s battery or engine.
The so-called “cycle-off-cycle CO2 reduction” technology was introduced through federal regulations proposed by former President Obama in 2012, though it did not lead to new fuel economy standards aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions in subsequent years.
Between 2012 and 2021, the adoption of Start/Stop technology surged from 1% to 45%, and by 2023, as many as 65% of new vehicles featured this technology.
Past estimates from the EPA suggest that Smart Start Tech could enhance fuel efficiency by around 4% to 5%. Yet, an EPA spokesperson indicated that the technology didn’t significantly cut emissions during testing.
If the automaker can’t prove efficacy, it risks losing eligibility for credits associated with developing stop-start technology in new models.
The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, representing the largest automotive trade group, has yet to respond to requests for comments on this matter.
This development comes as Zeldin critiques New York’s climate policies and tax incentives from the Biden administration, emphasizing a push for renewable energy. He has accused Governor Kathy Hochul of problematic approaches regarding natural gas extraction, while simultaneously trying to limit sales of gas-powered vehicles and obstruct the construction of a constitutional pipeline.
Earlier this year, the head of the EPA disclosed the discovery of $2 billion in taxpayer funds held in Citibank, Manhattan, following the passage of Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act. Former President Trump noted Zeldin’s involvement in promoting deregulation, referencing an executive order aimed at streamlining various regulations across agencies.
