U.S. Goverment Raises MPG Fuel Standards

SEE ALSO Complete Details of the Proposed CAFE Rule

Washington DC April 23, 2008; The AIADA newsletter reported that new cars and trucks will need to meet a fleet average of 31.6 mpg by 2015, the Bush administration proposed yesterday, seeking more fuel-efficient vehicles in the face of high gasoline prices and concerns over global warming.

Transportation Secretary Mary Peters outlined the plan on Earth Day, setting a more aggressive schedule to achieving the recent energy law that requires new cars and trucks to average 35 mpg by 2020. "This proposal is going to help us all breathe a little easier by reducing carbon dioxide emissions from tailpipes, cutting fuel consumption and making driving a little more affordable," Peters said.

MSNBC reports that new cars and trucks will have to average of 31.6 mpg by 2015, or about a 4.5 percent annual increase from 2011 to 2015.

The plan is expected to save nearly 55 billion gallons of oil and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 521 million metric tons. It will add an average cost of $650 per passenger car and $979 per truck by 2015.

Peters said the federal plan would reduce fuel consumption "in a way that is consistent nationwide and also doesn't compromise vehicle safety."