egmCarTech

President Barack Obama has announced new fuel-economy regulations in an attempt to reduce greenhouse gas pollution for all new cars and trucks sold in the United States. The standards will cover model years 2012-2016 and call for an average fuel-economy standard of 35.5 mpg by 2016 – an average increase of 8 mpg per vehicle.

The new regulations are projected to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program.

“In the past, an agreement such as this would have been considered impossible,” said President Obama. “That is why this announcement is so important, for it represents not only a change in policy in Washington, but the harbinger of a change in the way business is done in Washington. 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. 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.”

“A national policy on fuel economy standards and greenhouse gas emissions is welcomed by the auto manufacturers because it provides regulatory certainty and predictability and includes flexibilities that will significantly reduce the cost of compliance,” said the White House in a statement. 

“The collaboration of federal agencies also allows for clearer rules for all automakers, instead of three standards (DOT, EPA and a state standard).”

Currently, DOT manages fuel-economy while the EPA measures emissions.

- By: Omar Rana

Photo Credit: Lawrence Jackson (Flickr)

Related Posts:

1. Obama administration looking for 5% fuel economy annual gains through 2016
2. Obama to unveil new fuel-economy standards tomorrow, calls for 35 mpg by 2016
3. Obama administration raises fuel-economy regulations to 27.3 mpg by 2011
4. New fuel-economy standard calls for 31.6mpg by 2015
5. Hillary proposes 55mpg fuel-economy standard by 2030