ND1117116

Title: Consumers To Fill Up Less Under New Fuel Economy Standards

Description: Department of Transportation and EPA announced the next phase of the Obama administration?s program to boost fuel economy standards for model year 2017-2025 vehicles.

Page Content: WASHINGTON ? Yesterday U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson held a press briefing to discuss the government?s proposed rule to improve fuel economy standards, reduce pollution and reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

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LaHood kicked off the briefing by noting that President Obama has made it clear that raising the fuel economy standards in the U.S. is one of his highest priorities, and that DOT and EPA are committed to working together to make this happen.

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The proposed program for model year 2017-2025 passenger cars and trucks is expected to require increases in fuel efficiency equivalent to 54.5 mpg if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements.

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?American families will fill up every two weeks rather than every week,? noted LaHood.

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DOT and EPA are calculating that these improvements could save consumers an average of up to $6,600 in fuel costs over the lifetime of a model year 2025 vehicle for a net lifetime savings of $4,400 after factoring in related increases in vehicle cost.

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Additionally, the proposed program could reduce U.S. oil consumption by an estimated 12 billion barrels, and, by 2025, reduce oil consumption by 2.2 million barrels per day.

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Yesterday?s announcement follows President Obama?s announcement in July that the administration and 13 major automakers representing more than 90 percent of all vehicles sold in the U.S. have agreed to build on the first phase of the national vehicle program.

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There will be an opportunity for the public to comment on the proposal for 60 days after it is published in the Federal Register. In addition, DOT and EPA plan to hold several public hearings around the country to allow further public input. California plans to issue its proposal for model year 2017-2025 vehicle greenhouse gas standards on December 7 and will finalize its standards in January.

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More information about the proposal is available on the EPA?s website.

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Read more about this issue in the November NACS Magazine in the ?Inside Washington? section.

Content Subject: Government Relations

Formatted Article Date: November 17, 2011

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