Influential Companies and Fleet Operators Call for Strong Fuel Economy and Emission Standards

Two powerful corporate networks, representing more than 80 companies with a combined $1.3 trillion in annual revenue, are calling on the Biden administration to set strong emissions and fuel economy standards for passenger vehicles.

The Ceres-led Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance and the Ceres BICEP Network applauded the administration’s commitment to revisit vehicle standard rollbacks in a pair of letters calling for strong standards that will benefit both businesses and consumers. A rapid transition to clean vehicles will reduce fuel costs while enhancing the global competitiveness of the U.S. auto industry, the groups wrote. 

The fast-growing, Ceres-led Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance now includes 24 member companies, such as Amazon, DHL, T-Mobile and Uber, that have committed to clean transportation and electrification. The Alliance leverages collaboration and advocacy to accelerate the transition to  vehicles — from passenger cars to heavy-duty trucks. Members collectively own, lease and manage almost one million fleet or networked vehicles in the U.S. 

The Ceres BICEP Network includes more than 70 of the country’s most influential companies, united by the understanding that strong policies that support a net-zero emissions economy will stimulate growth and create employment opportunities. Together, its member companies — including Biogen, JLL, Lyft, Mars, Inc., Salesforce and Unilever, among others — represent more than 600,000 U.S. jobs.

Both letters, which were sent to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, highlighted the critical role of the transportation sector in the fight against the climate crisis. They called for standards aligned with climate science and bolstered by interim emissions reduction targets that are designed to put the nation on the road to 100% zero-emission passenger vehicle sales by 2035.

“While we are working to do our part as individual companies, we need strong standards to ensure the widespread availability of clean vehicles in the U.S., and to drive the economies of scale that will facilitate the rapid transition to electrification needed to meet climate goals,” the Corporate Electric Vehicle Alliance letter states.

Strong standards will protect businesses from potential fuel price volatility and ensure fuel cost savings for businesses and consumers, the companies wrote. 

“Increased investment in clean and electric vehicles will accelerate their production and integration into transport networks around the world,” said Greg Hewitt, CEO of DHL Express USA. “We are committed to achieving net zero emissions from transport activities by 2050 globally with an ambitious interim target of having at least 80,000 electric vehicles in our last-mile delivery fleet by 2030. A strong policy framework that supports electric vehicle deployment in an important market like the United States will play a critical role in our ability to reach those targets.”

“As successful American businesses, we know the importance of recognizing and seizing opportunities,” the BICEP letter states. “These rulemakings represent a rare opportunity to strengthen our economy, save consumers and businesses money, create jobs, and mitigate climate risk.”

An economic analysis commissioned by Ceres cited in the BICEP letter demonstrated that strong federal standards would enhance the global competitiveness of the domestic auto industry, reduce risk for major automakers and especially benefit suppliers — which employ over 2.5 more Americans than the auto industry.

“With transportation being the largest source of planet-disrupting greenhouse gas emissions in the country, we believe now is the time to set aggressive vehicle standards," said Sam Arons, Director of Sustainability for Lyft. "That’s why last June, we made the industry-leading commitment to reaching 100% electric vehicles on the Lyft platform by 2030 and creating a path for others to follow."

Ceres is a nonprofit organization working with the most influential capital market leaders to solve the world’s greatest sustainability challenges. Through our powerful networks and global collaborations of investors, companies and nonprofits, we drive action and inspire equitable market-based and policy solutions throughout the economy to build a just and sustainable future. For more information, visit ceres.org and follow @CeresNews.