President Obama Issues Orders For More Fuel-Efficient Cars in U.S.

SEE ALSO: 2009 Fuel Economy Guide

Washington DC January 27, 2009; The AIADA newsletter reported that President Obama issued two orders yesterday that could ultimately toughen fuel efficiency requirements for new cars – and prove stiff medicine for an auto industry already hobbled by financial troubles.

"Our goal is not to further burden an already struggling industry," Obama said, but to help American automakers "thrive by building the cars of tomorrow."

The Washington Post reported Obama directed the EPA to reconsider granting California and other states waivers to set their own strict regulations over tailpipe emissions. California would require a 30 percent cut in those emissions, a mandate more stringent than the federal mileage standards.

The new review process could take several months. Obama also instructed the Transportation Department to draw up new interim targets for mileage standards starting in 2012 that ensure new vehicles reach the 35 mpg level set by Congress for 2020.

The Association of International Automobile Manufacturers pledged to work with the Obama administration. "We welcome the Obama administration's quick attention to the important issue of climate change and recognize the need to take immediate steps to reduce, as feasibly as possible, greenhouse gas emissions from motor vehicles," said Mike Stanton, the group's president.

For more on emissions, click here.