President Barack Obama will today (Tuesday, May 19th) unveil plans to introduce a national standard for fuel efficiency as part of a strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The rules will come into play in 2012 and will oblige automakers to significantly increase the fuel efficiency of their cars and light trucks.

Automakers will need to improve fuel efficiency from its current average of 25 miles per gallon to 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 - a target the industry was previously given until 2020 to achieve.

The fuel consumption for most passenger cars will be expected to reach 39 miles per gallon within the next seven years, while light trucks will be required to hit the 30 miles per gallon mark.

It is thought that by meeting the target the US government will effectively save 1.8 billion barrels of oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by around 900 million tonnes.

As well as pleasing environmental campaigners, the news has also been greeted enthusiastically by car manufacturers.

According to Dave McCurdy, president of the Alliance of Auto Manufacturers, the announcement will bring an end to years of uncertainty surrounding the future of the auto industry.

"For seven long years, there has been a debate over whether states or the federal government should regulate autos," he commented.

"President Obama's announcement ends that old debate by starting a federal rulemaking to set a national programme."

Meanwhile, Chrysler said the development would provide the company with the opportunity to "concentrate their resources on developing a nationwide fleet of clean, fuel-efficient vehicles", AFP reports.

Mr Obama was inaugurated as president on January 20th this year.

Source:

Obama to Toughen Rules on Emissions and Mileage (18/05/09)

Ÿ Adfero Ltd