Court rejects Tesla push to reinstate higher U.S. fuel economy penalties

FILE PHOTO: A logo of the electric-vehicle maker Tesla is seen near a shopping complex in Beijing, China January 5, 2021. REUTERS/Tingshu Wang

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -A U.S. appeals court on Thursday rejected a request from Tesla Inc to quickly reinstate higher civil penalties for automakers who fail to meet U.S. fuel economy standards.

The Second Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals had rejected the electric vehicle maker's request in April for immediate action pending a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) review. Tesla again asked the court in August to take immediate action. The court on Thursday issued a brief order rejecting that request.