US pull back on vehicle emissions timings should sound warning in Australia

The recent announcement that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has adjusted the timelines of its vehicle emission standards due to concerns over consumer and manufacturer impacts should serve as a cautionary tale for the Australian Government regarding the proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES), according to the National Farmers’ Federation (NFF).

David Jochinke, President of the NFF, emphasised that while there are differences between the US and Australian markets, rushing into an NVES policy could disproportionately affect producers and regional Australians.

“Farmers support efforts to reduce Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, and the National Vehicle Efficiency Standards may incentivize the transition to lower emission vehicles,” stated Mr. Jochinke. “However, for Australian farmers, viable alternatives are currently lacking, forcing them to purchase vehicles that would be penalized under this scheme.”

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Mr. Jochinke highlighted concerns about potential cost increases for farming, with many vehicle manufacturers warning of price hikes due to the policy’s implementation.

He stressed that there are currently no viable alternatives in the Australian market that match the towing capacity, all-day range, and durability of internal combustion vehicles commonly used on farms across the country.

“These vehicles are our tools of the trade, essential for everyday operations much like a journalist relies on a laptop or a painter relies on a paintbrush,” he added.

The NFF is urging the Government to exempt vehicles used by primary producers from the scheme until genuine alternative options are available or until it can be demonstrated that price increases on existing vehicles will not occur.

“We appreciate the Government’s willingness to listen to our concerns and their openness to considering appropriate changes before finalizing the policy,” Mr. Jochinke remarked. “We are closely monitoring to see if these changes adequately address our concerns as the policy progresses.”

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