CAS letter regarding the nomination of Heidi King of NHTSA Administrator

May 14, 2018

Chairman John Thune
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
512 Dirksen Senate Building

Washington, DC 20510

Ranking Member Bill Nelson
U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
425 Hart Senate Office Building

Washington, DC 20510

Dear Chairman Thune and Ranking Member Nelson:

The Center for Auto Safety (“the Center”) submits the following letter in connection with today’s hearing regarding the nomination of Deputy Administrator Heidi King of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the position of Administrator. While Ms. King has only held the Deputy Administrator position for seven months, her actions, or lack of actions, have raised serious questions regarding the nominee’s ability to direct NHTSA as a safety and enforcement agency. The Center, founded in 1970, is an independent, non-profit consumer advocacy organization dedicated to improving vehicle safety, quality, and fuel economy not only for our members, but all drivers, passengers, and pedestrians across the county. On behalf of those members, and all individuals nationwide impacted by traffic safety and the quality of the air we breathe, the Center writes today to express our significant concerns with this nomination.

1. Rulemakings
NHTSA’s responsibility for promulgating rules and regulations to maintain the safety of the American people is one of its most important authorities and duties. Currently there are many regulations that are required to be written by law which remain untouched. Under Deputy Administrator King, rules that Congress mandated in order to protect children, inform consumers of recalls, and provide predictability and fairness in the marketplace have been ignored.