New fuel efficiency standards for U.S. cars finalized

Posted on August 29, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

American cars will get a major fuel efficiency overhaul during the next 15 years.

By 2025, light cars and trucks will average 54.5 miles per gallon

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — U.S. automakers have been bragging about how they bounced back from the edge of disaster after the 2008 financial crash; now, with the adoption of new fuel efficiency standards,  they’ll have a chance to prove how competitive they can be in a quickly changing world market that increasingly values energy efficiency.

The Obama administration this week finalized new rules to increase fuel economy to the equivalent of 54.5 mpg for cars and light-duty trucks by Model Year 2025. Coming on top of earlier standards, the latest move will almost double the fuel efficiency of newer vehicles compared to cars currently on the road.

Increased fuel efficiency can be achieved by the use of  advanced gasoline engines and transmissions, vehicle weight reduction, lower tire rolling resistance, improvements in aerodynamics, more efficient accessories, and improvements in air conditioning systems. (more…)

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New auto fuel standards add up to savings at the pump

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Bob Berwyn

This chart depicts the tremendous combined daily oil savings as a result of final and anticipated fuel economy and greenhouse gas standards for America’s cars, trucks and buses. These daily oil savings are comparable to the daily imports from the entire Persian Gulf in 2011 (99 percent of those imports come from Kuwait, Iraq and Saudi Arabia).

Along with reducing carbon emissions, consumers will cut fuel costs by $8,000 over the life of a new car

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY — New fuel efficiency standards for U.S. autos set to be finalized this summer will help drivers save money at the pump and reduce American dependence on imported oil.

As the standards are phased in, they will raise the average fuel efficiency of the fleet to 54.5 miles per gallon when the targets are reaching 2025, according to the Environmental Defense Fund.

The anticipated new standards will improve emissions protections and fuel economy performance for new cars and other passenger vehicles comparable to 54.5 mpg fleet-wide in the final years when the most protective standards are in place. (more…)

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Environment: 54.5 mpg and counting …

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Bob Berwyn

Administration touts ‘historic new fuel efficiency and emissions standards; some green groups say it’s not enough

The original Model Ts in the 1920s got about 16 to 25 mpg, so we've made a bit of progress.

By Summit Voice

SUMMIT COUNTY —Moving about as fast as an old-school Model T, the Obama administration will try to drag the automotive industry into the 21st century with a new set of fuel economy and greenhouse gas pollution standards for Model Year 2017-2025 passenger cars and light trucks.

It the standards are adopted, the average car should get about 54.5 mpg, cutting oil consumption by 4 billion barrels and reducing greenhouse-gas pollution by about 2 billion metric tons during the lifetimes of the vehicles sold in those years.

Cars, SUVs, minivans, and pickup trucks are currently responsible for nearly 60 percent of U.S. transportation-related petroleum use and greenhouse gas emissions.

The proposed standards are still subject to review and public comment. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Transportation and the EPA plan to hold several public hearings around the country to allow further public input. Visit this government website for information on commenting and links to all the environmental and technical documents. (more…)

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