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October 5, 2026

Auto Care Association Regulatory Update – Monday, October 5, 2026

by Grant MacIntyre

There is one new action of interest this week.

New Actions

Fuel Economy Standards - NHTSA issued modified Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for light-duty vehicles for MY 2022-2026 and 2027-2031. The standards continue to go higher but at a much slower rate than they were scheduled to do under the Biden administration rule. This is expected to reduce the need for electric vehicles to meet the standards.

More Information: Final Rule

Ongoing Activity

Black Mass and Tungsten Export - The Bureau of Industry and Security issued a temporary final rule restricting export of black mass and tungsten and is seeking comments on making permanent that restriction. Comments are due Nov. 4, 2026.

More Information: Temporary Final Rule

ADS System Guidance - NHTSA announced the opening of a public docket where they will publish several guidance documents relating to safe operation of ADS systems. Documents will be added over the course of the year in different topic areas. Comments are accepted through at least July 31, 2027.

More Information: Guidance Notice

If you have questions about any of these items, please contact Grant MacIntyre, director, regulatory affairs and senior attorney, Auto Care Association.

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