DOT, EPA Set Auto Fuel-Economy Guidelines
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson released proposed regulations for boosting automobile fleet fuel economy to reach 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, the Associated Press reported.
The move is a follow-up to the Obama administration’s announced intention earlier this year to boost mileage standards,
“This action will give our auto companies some long-overdue clarity, stability and predictability,” Obama said Tuesday during a visit to a General Motors plant in Lordstown, Ohio, AP reported.
Meanwhile, the House may vote Wednesday on a bill to allow the Department of Energy to spend up to $550 million a year to conduct advanced technology vehicle and component part research and development, AP said.
The new standards would boost automobile new-vehicles fleet standards to an average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, AP reported.
They would boost fuel efficiency by about 5% per year and cut greenhouse gas emissions by about 950 million metric tons, while conserving 1.8 billion barrels of oil, EPA said.
Federal agencies must finalize the proposal by March 30 to give automakers enough planning time for the regulations to take effect in the 2012 model year, AP said.
