Proposed Increase in Fuel Economy, Reduction of Greenhouse Gas Announced By President
New energy guidelines surpass recent legislation.
Compiled by staff
Published: May 20, 2009
On Tuesday President Obama set in motion a new national policy aimed at both increasing fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. The new standards cover model years 2012-2016 and ultimately require an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg in 2016. With a fuel economy gain averaging more than 5% per year and a reduction of approximately 900 million metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions; this would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007. That law required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.
"As a result of this agreement, we will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the vehicles sold in the next five years," Obama said. "And at a time of historic crisis in our auto industry, this rule provides the clear certainty that will allow these companies to plan for a future in which they are building the cars of the 21st century."
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson concurred with the President saying a supposedly 'unsolvable' problem was solved by unprecedented partnerships, resulting in keeping Americans healthier; cutting tons of pollution from the air, and make a lasting down payment on cutting greenhouse gas emissions.
Meanwhile, Senate Ag Committee Chairman Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, called the announcement "a big step in the right direction." However, the Chairman said that rapidly increasing the use of, and investment in, clean, renewable sources of energy is also needed.
Harkin said, "I am hopeful that the Administration and Congress will continue to work towards expanding our access to, and production of, alternative energy sources."
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