President Obama Takes Biggest Single Step to Move America Beyond Oil

[ProSense]

President Obama Takes Biggest Single Step to Move America Beyond Oil

by Ann Mesnikoff

Today, the Obama administration took a step that will result in significant savings at the pump for American families, reduce life-threatening carbon pollution, and provide Americans with better and more fuel efficient vehicle choices moving forward.

The administration officially proposed strengthening fuel efficiency and pollution standards for passenger cars and trucks to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The newly proposed standards also reduce carbon emissions to 163 grams per mile in 2025.

<...>

And 108 House Representatives also support the new standards, having all signed a letter to the President saying as much:

<...>

Two important points, though, as we applaud these standards from the Obama administration:

1. Loopholes and Industry Giveaways Matter
The strength of the final standards will determine whether we get all of the benefits promised. Loopholes, credits and flexibilities can undermine the stringency of vehicle standards. For example, we strongly support electric vehicles, but treating too many EVs as having no emissions (ignoring the carbon pollution from electricity) can erode pollution reductions. It is critical that these standards maintain their integrity in order to deliver consumer savings and cut our addiction to oil.

2. 54.5 MPG Isn't Actually What Consumers Will See On Dealer Lots in 2025
Both the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) use an arcane set of 1970s test procedures to set standards and measure compliance. These tests assume drivers will average 48 mph on the highway, drive in perfect 75 degree weather, and never turn on their A/C. Therefore, the cars that consumers buy at the dealership in 2025 will actually average between 37-40 mpg, which is still nearly double today's window sticker average of 22.5 mpg.

more

Graphic linked to in original.