Ann Carlson, the acting administrator for the Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), is stepping down from her role and leaving the agency at the end of January. Carlson, who helped craft regulations to promote electric vehicle (EV) use, faced heavy opposition from Republicans due to her past climate activism and support for regulations targeting gas-powered vehicles. Her nomination for the permanent position was withdrawn in May, but she continued to lead NHTSA in an acting capacity. Republicans criticized her appointment as illegal and accused her of attempting to impose unpopular EV mandates.
Ann Carlson, the acting chief of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), who oversaw the investigation into Tesla's Autopilot system, is stepping down in compliance with a law limiting officials' tenure. NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman will succeed Carlson, who will return to her former position as chief counsel before leaving the agency. Carlson has been involved in pushing for stricter fuel emissions standards and recently announced a recall requiring additional Autopilot safeguards. Tesla has responded by implementing stricter driver monitoring. During her tenure, Carlson also focused on airbag safety and reducing traffic deaths. The NHTSA has not had a Senate-confirmed administrator for most of the past six years.
