U.S. government and California agree to merge timetable for fuel standards
By Steph, 29 Jan, 2011. 0 Comments
2011 Nissan Altima
Over complaints that California’s preliminary plan for 2017-25 fuel economy standards was too fast, the Obama administration and the state of California have agreed to a single timetable. According to the EPA, U.S. Department of Transportation and the state of California, the proposals for both sets of new standards will be simultaneously released on Sept. 1. Previously, California had said it will come out with the proposal for tailpipe emissions standards for cars and light trucks in March. Meanwhile, the Obama administration aimed to reveal its proposal by the end of September. Both the automakers and a major environmental group applauded the joint announcement.
The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents the Big 3 automakers from Detroit, Toyota and seven other companies, said that it is only the federal government that can “balance nationwide the need to reduce oil consumption and emissions with the preservation of a vital manufacturing sector.” According to Roland Hwang, transportation program director of the Natural Resources Defense Council, the agreement recognizes California as a full partner in the development of the next generation of national car standards.
The preliminary proposal from the Obama administration had received a lot of criticism from automakers but was praised by consumer activists and environmental groups. Under this proposal, fuel efficiency was expected to increase to up to 62 mpg by the 2025 model year. Before the Obama administration issues a formal proposal, it will be considering the feedback it gets. [via autonews - sub. required]
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