National Fuel Efficiency Policy Announced

On May 19, 2009, President Obama announced a new national policy aimed at increasing fuel efficiency standards and reducing greenhouse gas emissions for all cars and trucks sold in the U.S.  The new standards cover model years 2012-2016, increase fuel economy by more than 5% per year, and require an average fuel economy standard of 35.5 miles per gallon in 2016.  This new policy exceeds Congress' 2007 CAFÉ law that required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020.  President Obama stated that the policy will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of the vehicles sold in the next five years. 

The policy is a result of collaboration between the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency, auto manufacturers, the United Auto Workers, environmental leaders, California, and other state governments.

For further details on the policy, click here.