Lawmakers under pressure to water down strict Euro 7 rules – report

Lawmakers under pressure to water down strict Euro 7 rules – report

Lawmakers under pressure to water down strict Euro 7 rules – report

Lawmakers in Europe are facing pressure to soften strict emissions rules known as Euro 7, following a compromise agreement among EU countries. The new proposals, presented by Spain, are seen as a more fair alternative to the European Commission’s initial plan to tighten emissions limits for non-CO2 pollutants. This includes nitrogen oxide from brakes and tires, as well as carbon monoxide. Diplomatic sources have indicated that EU countries have largely agreed on these compromise proposals. The pushback against Euro 7 comes from eight EU countries, who argue that car manufacturers are already struggling to meet the continent’s 2035 electric vehicle targets, and that Euro 7 would be too costly with minimal environmental benefits. Car manufacturers themselves, such as Renault and Stellantis, have also voiced concerns, with Renault’s chief stating that it would distract from the transition to electric vehicles, and the Stellantis boss arguing that it would increase prices of smaller vehicles, making them less affordable for lower-income drivers. Euro 7 is the final stage of EU regulations for combustion engine emissions before the sale of pure internal combustion engine vehicles is banned in 2030-2035. It aims to make combustion engines as clean as possible and will bring diesel and petrol engines under identical emissions limits for the first time. The regulation sets limits for various pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, hydrocarbons, and particles. However, concerns have been raised about the cost-effectiveness of Euro 7, particularly regarding the regulation’s emissions budget and the inclusion of brake dust testing.