The White House this year also prepared to eliminate an Obama-era regulation in place to reduce automobile emissions that contribute to global warming. The administration argues that the rollback is necessary for economic and safety reasons, though environmentalists say consumers would spend billions more in fuel costs and accelerate climate change.<\/p>\n
Four of the world’s largest automakers responded in July by striking a deal with California<\/a> to reduce vehicle emissions. California and 13 other states promised to continue enforcing the stricter rule, a move that could split the country’s auto market and set up a financial headache for automakers.<\/p>\n Later in September, the administration barred California from setting its own emissions standards<\/a>, which officials said would give people access to cheaper and safer vehicles. The state has set tougher emissions standards that essentially directed the industry to begin unveiling zero-emissions vehicles and battery-electric and hydrogen-powered cars.<\/p>\n California and 22 other states sued to challenge the administration’s decision, setting up a legal fight<\/a> that could reach the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n