The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) have released a joint proposal to set new fuel economy and pollution standards for model year 2017-2025 passenger cars and light trucks.
The proposed program is aimed at requiring increases in fuel efficiency equivalent to 54.5 mpg, if all reductions were made through fuel economy improvements. The Obama administration's 2012-2016 program calls for a fuel efficiency equivalent to 35.5 mpg by 2016.
‘These unprecedented standards are a remarkable leap forward in improving fuel efficiency, strengthening national security by reducing our dependence on oil, and protecting our climate for generations to come,’ U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a statement.
‘It will ensure automakers have the regulatory certainty they need to make key decisions that create jobs and invest in the future,’ he added.
The agencies note that the model year 2017-2025 proposal includes a number of incentive programs to encourage early adoption and introduction of advanced technologies, such as hybridization for pickup trucks.
For more information about this notice of proposed rulemaking, click HERE.
