October 11, 2026 to October 17, 2026

This is Queen Street Analytics' weekly digest of regulatory developments, legislative discussions and other government-related news for car manufacturers, parts suppliers, car dealers, rental companies, and importers/exporters in the automotive industry. Once a week, we break down the most important updates in this space in under five minutes.

Want to track the upstream and downstream forces affecting Automotive? Don’t miss this week’s updates in Manufacturing and Oil & Gas. Also consider subscribing to our Automotive - Ottawa edition covering critical GR news north of the border.

📋 In This Week's Newsletter

• 🇺🇸 Federal Government News
• 📚 What We're Reading This Week

Federal Government News

DOE Opens Section 45Z Emissions Value Request Process for Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit

The Department of Energy’s Office of Critical Minerals and Energy Innovation announced the availability of the Emissions Value Request Process supporting Treasury and IRS Section 45Z Clean Fuel Production Tax Credit administration. Producers seeking to utilize the 45Z tax credit must either use published lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions rates or petition for a provisional emissions rate when their fuel pathway is not listed. The Emissions Value Request Process, published following prior notices and public comment periods, enables applicants to obtain an emissions value from the DOE that can be submitted to Treasury in pursuit of a provisional emissions rate determination. DOE’s announcement comes after section 45Z regulations were updated earlier in 2026 and outlines steps for transportation fuel producers to demonstrate eligibility based on emissions values. The process is located online and questions may be directed to John Cabaniss at DOE.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Reallocation of Additional 2025 Small Refinery Exemptions Under the RFS Program

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed revisions to small refinery exemption reallocation volumes under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) program for 2026 and 2027, responding to a higher-than-expected exempted Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) in 2025. Two options—equitably splitting 770 million Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) between 2026 and 2027 or allocating the entire surplus to 2027—have been proposed for public review. The public hearing will occur November 4, 2026, with comments due December 4. The EPA proposes extending the compliance reporting deadline for 2026 if finalization occurs after March 31, 2027. Accompanying amendments address technical fuel quality and RFS regulation inaccuracies. EPA projects a modest price increase for gasoline and diesel and expects no substantial economic impact on small entities or new reporting requirements.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

Commerce Department Issues Guidance on USMCA Tariffs and 'U.S. Content' Assessment

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security published guidance for U.S. Customs and Border Protection on evaluating 'U.S. content' for Canadian and Mexican products that receive preferential tariff treatment under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement. This guidance, effective October 14, 2026, clarifies assessment criteria for products entered for consumption, including values for parts wholly produced or substantially transformed in the U.S., and U.S.-sourced steel, aluminum, and copper. Implementation aligns with Presidential Proclamation 11032, adjusting tariff regimes for metals. Questions regarding product eligibility can be directed to CBP.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

EPA Proposes Compliance Date Extensions for Trichloroethylene (TCE) Regulation Under TSCA

The Environmental Protection Agency has proposed extensions to compliance deadlines for entities regulated under the Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regarding trichloroethylene (TCE). Key revisions include granting additional time for processing TCE as a reactant, industrial and commercial use, and wastewater disposal, shifting deadlines to December 31, 2027. The first phaseout reduction of TCE for HFC-134a production is also now slated for December 2027, aligning with updated use projections. EPA also mandates updating Safety Data Sheets within 30 days of the rule’s publication. The agency seeks public input on these changes and estimates cost savings for affected parties.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

USITC Launches Final Phase Investigation: Linear Hydraulic Cylinders Imports from Canada, China, India, Mexico, South Korea

The U.S. International Trade Commission determined a reasonable indication of material injury to domestic industries from imports of linear hydraulic cylinders from Canada, China, India, Mexico, and South Korea. These imports are alleged to be sold at less than fair value and subsidized by several governments, as outlined in petitions filed by U.S. manufacturers. The investigation moves to the final phase following affirmative Commerce Department findings, with draft questionnaires circulated for comment through the Commission’s Electronic Document Information System. The scope includes subheadings 8412.21.00 and 8412.90.90 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule.

Sources: www.federalregister.gov

White House Details Industrial Investment and Policy Outcomes in Georgia

President Trump visited Georgia, enumerating achievements such as federal tax cuts, $219 million in rural health investment, and job creation from private sector expansions by firms including Pirelli and Siemens. Federal support for agriculture and disaster recovery totaled over $1 billion post-Hurricane Helene. Border security efforts reportedly reduced illegal migration in Georgia, and Atlanta recorded a 36% decline in homicides in early 2026. The administration’s statement reported continued impacts on the local automotive manufacturing and supply base, linked to new federal aid and private investment.

Sources: www.whitehouse.gov

What We're Reading This Week

• France, Germany strike deal on car emissions and UK special status: France and Germany reached agreement on emissions policies and special status for UK vehicles.
• 'A good day for motorists and for jobs': Reactions to Germany-France car deal: Industry stakeholders responded to the Germany-France deal as positive for motorists and employment.
• After hybrid car deal, EU needs to rebalance China trade in other sectors, Dombrovskis says: EU leadership signaled intentions to address trade imbalances with China following hybrid car negotiations.
• Leapmotor-Stellantis JV calls EU-China import cap deal 'interesting alternative': Joint venture executives described the EU-China import cap arrangement as an 'alternative' in ongoing trade talks.
• For Chinese automakers, the road to survival runs through Europe: Chinese automakers are positioning European markets as critical for their long-term operations.
• After Welcoming China’s Electric Vehicles, This Country Is Paying the Price: Thailand faces repercussions after increased imports of Chinese electric vehicles.
• Tariffs on Metals, Autos Mire Down U.S.-Mexico Trade Talks: U.S.-Mexico trade discussions remain complicated by tariffs affecting metals and autos.
• As EU debates local-content rules, Chinese automakers are already adapting: Chinese auto companies adjust supply chains amid ongoing EU local-content rule deliberations.
• Opinion | U.S. Manufacturers Need Permitting Reform: Industry opinion leaders call for changes to permitting procedures for manufacturing.
• The Morning Risk Report: Trump’s Diesel Deal With Russia Faces Questions From Lawmakers on Legality: U.S. lawmakers are evaluating the legal framework surrounding the president’s diesel arrangement with Russia.

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