WASHINGTON DC (02/10/2026) – The Institute for Energy Research recently submitted comments to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on the Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule III. Additionally, comments were submitted to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management on the National Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program.
Institute for Energy Research President Tom Pyle released the following statement:
“We applaud the NHTSA’s proposal to reform the outdated CAFE mandates. This rule correctly removes electric vehicles from the fuel-economy calculation and eliminates arbitrary metrics such as the social cost of carbon, which have no basis in the statute. If finalized, it will help reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on manufacturers and preserve consumer choice in the vehicle market.
“In addition, we support the effort to expand offshore leasing opportunities in the Outer Continental Shelf. While the draft proposal is a step forward, limiting available acreage to areas with only known recoverable reserves underestimates the true potential of our federal waters. Despite the politics of some coastal states, updating exploration possibilities and opening more of the OCS will encourage the discoveries that fuel long-term production so that national energy and economic benefits can be realized.”
IER Experts Available For Interview On This Topic:
- Tom J. Pyle, President
- Kenny Stein, Vice President of Policy
- Alexander Stevens, Manager of Policy and Communications
Additional Background Resources From IER:
- Comment on 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Draft Proposed Program
- Comment on The Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient (SAFE) Vehicles Rule III
- Another Win for Consumers: President Trump Announces Reset of CAFE Standards
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