DETROIT (Reuters) - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Thursday told an automaker lobbyist group that it would not extend the deadline for a review of strict fuel economy standards through the 2025 vehicle model year, indicating the agency would push ahead with a plan to make the rules final before the Obama administration leaves office Jan. 20.
Acting EPA Assistant Administrator Janet McCabe informed the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which includes most major automakers in the U.S. market, in a letter dated Thursday. The auto manufacturers group had also requested that the EPA withdraw its plans to finalize the new standards. The denial of the auto group's requests had been expected.
The Alliance, in a statement on Thursday said it was disappointed. "The Trump Administration will determine whether to accept this accelerated outcome or return to regular order," the Alliance said.