EPA Ends Credits for Automatic Start-Stop Vehicle Ignition

Zeldin calls the feature 'everyone hates' and says it 'kills the battery' with no environmental benefit

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Environmental Protection Agency has announced an end to credits given to automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin called the feature the 'Obama switch' and said it makes vehicles 'die' at every red light and stop sign, claiming it 'kills the battery of your car without any significant benefit to the environment.' The move aligns with the Trump administration's broader efforts to roll back automotive emissions regulations.

Why it matters

The start-stop technology was intended to reduce fuel consumption and emissions by automatically shutting off a vehicle's engine when it comes to a complete stop. However, Zeldin and the Trump administration view it as an unnecessary burden on drivers that provides little environmental benefit. This decision is part of a broader push by the administration to weaken emissions standards and give consumers more 'freedom of choice' when it comes to vehicle purchases.

The details

The EPA announced it is ending credits given to automakers who install automatic start-stop ignition systems in their vehicles. These systems automatically shut down a vehicle's engine when it comes to a complete stop and then restart it when the driver takes their foot off the brake. While the technology can provide fuel savings of 7-26%, Zeldin called it the 'Obama switch' and claimed it 'kills the battery' without significant environmental benefits.

  • The EPA announced the end of the start-stop credits on February 12, 2026.

The players

Lee Zeldin

The current EPA Administrator under the Trump administration, who has been a vocal critic of the start-stop technology.

Donald Trump

The former President who joined Zeldin in announcing the end of the start-stop credits.

Stellantis

The automaker that makes Jeep vehicles and welcomed the deregulatory effort.

Ford Motor Co.

The automaker that said it appreciates the work to address the 'imbalance between current emissions standards and customer choice.'

General Motors

The automaker that deferred comment to the industry group Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Automotive emissions regulations finalized in the previous administration are extremely challenging for automakers to achieve given the current marketplace demand for EVs. The auto industry in America remains focused on preserving vehicle choice for consumers, keeping the industry competitive, and staying on a long-term path of emissions reductions and cleaner vehicles.”

— John Bozzella, President of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation (Alliance for Automotive Innovation)

What’s next

The administration is also weakening rules for how far new vehicles must travel on average on a gallon of gasoline as it undermines the climate regulation at the core of auto tailpipe emissions.

The takeaway

This decision is part of the Trump administration's broader push to roll back automotive emissions regulations and give consumers more 'freedom of choice' when it comes to vehicle purchases, even if it comes at the expense of environmental benefits.