"President Trump on Friday directed his administration to negotiate with California over a proposed rollback of fuel economy and tailpipe emissions standards, a move that could avert a damaging court battle with the potential to sow chaos in the auto industry.

California has vowed to disregard any rollbacks and stick to its own stricter emissions standards. Nonetheless, the state must be invited to the negotiating table as the administration moves forward with its plan to relax the fuel economy rules, Mr. Trump said at a White House meeting between top administration officials and major auto executives, according to three people briefed on the closed-door discussions.

Mr. Trump’s directive at the meeting grants a reprieve to automakers, who lobbied for a relaxation of rules aimed at cutting tailpipe emissions of carbon dioxide — a major contributor to global warming — but in recent weeks became increasingly nervous that the zealousness of the proposed rollbacks would provoke a battle with California."

Hiroko Tabuchi reports for the New York Times May 11, 2018. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Trump Urges Automakers To Build More Vehicles In U.S., Blasts NAFTA" (Reuters) [3]

"Trump Wants Negotiations With California On Auto Gas Mileage" (AP) [4]

"Trump Tasks Pruitt, Chao To Negotiate Emissions Standard With California: Report" (The Hill) [5]