Obama Looks to Reduce GHG Emissions from Vehicles

On January 26, 2009, President Barack Obama took the first steps towards significant reduction in Greenhouse Gas Emissions, in compliance with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

The President directed the US EPA to begin a formal review of the request by California for a waiver from federal GHG emission standards for cars and trucks. The waiver would allow California to require automakers, over time, to meet tailpipe emissions standards for carbon dioxide that are 30% below current federal standards. Thirteen other states have enacted legislation or rules that would allow them to adopt the California standards if the waiver is granted. Combined these 14 states represent the half of the market for cars sold in the United States.
For Washington Post coverage on this topic, click here. To read an in depth New York Times article on this topic, click here.  To view the official White House Memorandum, click here.

The President also requested that the Transportation Department draw up rules to implement a 2007 law requiring a 40 percent improvement in gas mileage for autos and light trucks by 2020.    This will be a two step process, with temporary regulation completed by March of 2009 and final standards to be completed after a thorough review of legal, scientific and technological factors.  For more information, click here.
In a January 27 New York Times article, automakers claim that this plan is too strict and could result in a selection of vehicles that would disappoint car buyers.