By — Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Leave a comment 0comments Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/epa-says-trumps-fuel-economy-freeze-could-lead-to-more-highway-deaths Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter EPA says Trump’s fuel economy freeze could lead to more highway deaths Politics Aug 14, 2018 4:36 PM EDT WASHINGTON — Internal documents show the Environmental Protection Agency privately questioned the Trump administration’s finding that freezing Obama-era mileage standards would make drivers safer. In announcing the mileage proposal, the administration said the freeze would save 1,000 lives a year. But in a June email, the EPA told the Department of Transportation that it would slightly increase highway deaths. EPA spokesman John Konkus says the new documents made public Tuesday were just a small part of administration discussions on the mileage proposals. The Trump administration has proposed freezing mileage standards after 2020. The tougher Obama-era mileage rules were meant to reduce pollution and climate-changing emissions. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press Ellen Knickmeyer, Associated Press
WASHINGTON — Internal documents show the Environmental Protection Agency privately questioned the Trump administration’s finding that freezing Obama-era mileage standards would make drivers safer. In announcing the mileage proposal, the administration said the freeze would save 1,000 lives a year. But in a June email, the EPA told the Department of Transportation that it would slightly increase highway deaths. EPA spokesman John Konkus says the new documents made public Tuesday were just a small part of administration discussions on the mileage proposals. The Trump administration has proposed freezing mileage standards after 2020. The tougher Obama-era mileage rules were meant to reduce pollution and climate-changing emissions. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now