Obama Unveils New Emissions Standards
President Obama Tuesday outlined his administration’s comprehensive plan to curb emissions from cars and light trucks, saying the rules would cut dependence on imported oil and move the United States toward a “clean energy” economy, the Associated Press reported.
Obama was joined in a White House ceremony by labor and automobile industry leaders as well as national and state political officials in unveiling the plan, which has broad support in targeting strict new guidelines for vehicle emissions, AP said.
The rule would require an average 35.5 miles per gallon average for cars and light trucks by 2016, roughly corresponding to California’s state requirement, the New York Times reported.
That’s 40% higher than the current national standard of just over 25 mpg, the Times said. Auto fleets would need to average 42 mpg, while light trucks would be required to average 26 mpg, news reports said.
The new rules will add an estimated $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is in place in 2016, AP reported.
