Introduction

Much has evolved since November 5th and the U.S. elections. Many people, inside and outside the U.S., are reeling with confusion, uncertainty, and lack of direction.

Welcome to the latest phase in emissions compliance, where policies seem to shift as frequently as the weather, and yet nothing seems to change appreciably. Or as the rock group “The Who” sang in 1971: “Meet the new boss, same as the old boss.”

In an era of shifting regulations, the mobile emissions industry is preparing for yet another transformation. President-elect Donald Trump’s recent nomination of former Rep. Lee Zeldin to lead the EPA sends a strong signal of impending federal rollbacks on emissions standards. However, as national policies lean toward easing restrictions, states, corporate giants, and investors are moving to uphold climate goals and transparency commitments.

The landscape we’re entering isn’t entirely new. History has seen similar transitions, such as the reformulated gasoline requirements of the early ’90s or the rise and fall of compressed natural gas (CNG) as the “silver bullet” for cleaner air. Such shifts remind us that the intersection of regulatory adjustments and environmental priorities has always been complex. Resilient companies, however, have consistently discovered opportunities within these challenges.

As ExxonMobil CEO Darren Woods advised President Trump, “Leaving the Paris Agreement would weaken our seat at the table and our influence on global climate policy.” Woods’ emphasis on proactive engagement is particularly relevant today, underscoring that a commitment to international standards and forward-looking strategies remains vital.

About This Series

Over the next few weeks, this blog series will explore ways to not only remain compliant but thrive in this evolving environment. From navigating new U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) transparency requirements on environmental policies that impact investors and shareholders, to keeping pace with California’s rigorous standards to balancing U.S. deregulation against EU mandates, we will cover as much as possible.

The emissions compliance landscape is complex, shaped by a dynamic interplay between state resilience, federal rollbacks, new SEC mandates on transparency, California’s leadership in climate standards, and the urgent need for future-proofing strategies.

Weekly Topics

Each week, we’ll be delving into key themes impacting emissions compliance and accountability:

• Week 2: “Trump’s Regulatory U-Turn”
  As federal standards shift, states like California and New York are preparing to “Trump-proof” their environmental policies, ensuring continuity in emissions standards.
• Week 3: “The SEC’s Unexpected Role in Emissions Accountability”
  The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is stepping into emissions reporting, requiring companies to disclose climate risks, aligning with investor demands for transparency.
• Week 4: “Global Standards, Local Compliance”
  With the EU’s FuelEU Maritime regulations tightening, U.S. companies need to be prepared for heightened international oversight.
• Week 5: “California’s Role in Leading U.S. and Global Compliance”
  California continues to set ambitious standards, positioning itself as a model for national and international emissions benchmarks.
• Week 6: “Building Resilient Compliance”
  Adaptable strategies are essential to withstand fluctuating regulations, and we’ll discuss future-proofing techniques to secure long-term success.
• Week 7: “State Coalitions for Stability”
  As states form alliances to protect emissions standards, companies have a path to stable compliance despite federal shifts.
• Week 8: “Transparency as a Trust-Building Tool”
  Emissions data transparency is more than regulatory compliance; it’s a powerful way to connect with consumers and foster brand loyalty.

Join the Conversation

So, join us for the next few weeks as we explore these topics. Please feel free to send us your comments, ideas, and feedback. Let’s look for new opportunities together!