(Photo by Alex Johnson on Flickr)
President Barack Obama continued his efforts to encourage efficient
and eco-friendly vehicles in the United States with last week’s announcement on
fuel mileage and emissions. Obama announced plans for a minimum miles per gallon (MPG)
rating of 35.5 MPG for every car, truck and SUV sold in the United States by
2016. This average rating takes into account a 39 MPG rating for cars and a 30
MPG rating on light-duty trucks and SUVs. The president’s proposed fuel mileage
standard would be applied gradually between 2012 and 2016.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) will be critical to enforcing this plan. The DOT will
use authority under the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) to
change Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards in accordance with White
House policy. The EISA originally set CAFE standards at 35 MPG by 2020 with a
more gradually enforcement timetable.
The EPA will be responsible for the greenhouse gas emissions
aspect of Obama’s policy. Obama and the EPA want to set the maximum carbon
dioxide emissions per vehicle at 250 grams per mile by 2016. The agency will
use its authority under the amended Clean Air Act to balance this overall goal
with policies that will make compliance less expensive for businesses. EPA
officials have thrown around credits for fleet average performance, reduced AC
usage and flex-fuel vehicle purchases as options to placate businesses during this
transition.
Obama’s announcement was possible due to the support of industry,
labor and government players for the new standard. The UAW and American
automakers have responded positively to the 35.5 MPG standard as well as the
reduced emissions goal due to the policy’s flexibility. The new mileage
standard will be coordinated between the White House, the EPA, DOT and state
agencies to eliminate policy thickets for American businesses. California and
other states that have adopted fuel mileage standards will work with the
federal government to coordinate implementation of the 35.5 MPG standard.
The vehicles affected by the new fuel mileage and emissions
standards constitute about three-fifths of America’s transportation-based
emissions. President Obama has set the bar higher for automakers, state
governments and other policy players as we move toward cleaner transportation
options. The question is whether economic pressures will warp Obama’s fuel
mileage standard between 2009 and 2012. The convergence of failing American
automakers, struggling government agencies and the weakening position of the
UAW may lead to a more modest policy in the future. Hybrid vehicle fans should
be optimistic, however, because support by industry and state governments shows
a nationwide commitment to improved mileage in the future.
I think that it’s about time, but let’s see if this really happens the way that Obama wants it to. The government has a way of messing up even the best plans!
It is a good thing that your president is doing something about the Global warming issue. Our president seems to be busy on how can she stay in control of the country.
Another thing occurs to me…given the economic mess that we’re in, will these environment issues that Obama is pushing have to take a backseat for now?