EPA Scraps Hated Start-Stop Mandate

Regulators eliminate compliance credits that forced automakers to install the unpopular feature.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The EPA has eliminated the federal greenhouse gas emission standards and compliance credits that incentivized automakers to install start-stop technology in vehicles, a feature that has been widely disliked by drivers. This regulatory change is expected to allow automakers to phase out the start-stop feature and focus on developing more efficient and reliable vehicle technologies that consumers actually want.

Why it matters

The start-stop feature, which automatically shuts off a vehicle's engine at stops to save fuel, has been a source of frustration for many drivers due to its impact on engine reliability, responsiveness, and overall driving experience. This regulatory change removes the financial incentives that led automakers to widely adopt the unpopular technology, giving them more freedom to pursue innovations that better meet consumer demands.

The details

The EPA has eliminated the 2009 Obama-era Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, which had established federal greenhouse gas emission standards and a compliance credit system that rewarded automakers for installing start-stop technology. This regulatory rollback is expected to save consumers an estimated $2,400 per vehicle by removing the engineering complexity and added costs associated with the start-stop feature.

  • On February 12, 2026, President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin signed off on the regulatory changes.
  • The new rules went into effect immediately, eliminating the compliance credits that had incentivized automakers to install start-stop systems.

The players

Donald Trump

The President of the United States at the time the regulatory changes were announced.

Lee Zeldin

The EPA Administrator who oversaw the regulatory rollback.

Greg Damon

An ASE Master Technician who commented on the mechanical issues caused by start-stop technology.

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What they’re saying

“Mechanically, it's a disaster waiting to happen....Those constant restarts hammer the starter motor - even the reinforced versions wear out faster from all the extra cycles.”

— Greg Damon, ASE Master Technician (Newsmax)

“Zeldin didn't mince words during the announcement — he called start-stop the "almost universally hated" feature, the "Obama switch" that makes your engine "die" every time you stop.”

— Lee Zeldin, EPA Administrator (Newsmax)

“Trump hammered it too, blasting the old policy as a disaster that jacked up prices and forced unwanted tech on consumers.”

— Donald Trump (Newsmax)

What’s next

Automakers are expected to quietly phase out start-stop technology in upcoming vehicle models or offer permanent disable options for the feature.

The takeaway

This regulatory change removes the financial incentives that led automakers to widely adopt the unpopular start-stop technology, giving them more freedom to pursue innovations that better meet consumer demands and restore the driving experience that customers expect.