Posted on 12/12/2002 1:07:17 PM PST by finnman69
Bush Approves SUV Fuel Economy Increase
By H. JOSEF HEBERT, Associated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) - The Bush administration approved a modest increase Thursday in fuel economy for sport utility vehicles and small trucks, beginning with the 2005 model year, administration sources said.
The change is the first since 1996, when Congress imposed a freeze on the federal fuel economy requirements on automakers.
The Transportation Department will require fuel economy for SUVs, pickup trucks and minivans to increase by about 1.5 miles per gallon over three years beginning with the model 2005 vehicles that arrive in showrooms in late 2004, said the sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Automakers currently must meet a fleet average fuel economy of 20.7 mpg for the "light truck" category that includes SUVs, minivans and pickups.
The federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, for other passenger vehicles will remain at 27.5 miles per gallon, where it has been since 1990.
The final rule mirrors a proposal sent to the White House for review last month by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration a Transportation Department agency that administers the program.
Spokesmen for the automakers said a 1.5 mpg boost in the fleet average was "a significant increase" and a "daunting" challenge if producers are to continue to provide customers with a wide range of SUVs, including the larger models.
"Achieving this standard depends on consumers buying our fuel-efficient vehicles in large numbers," said Gloria Briquets, a spokeswoman for the Auto Alliance, which represents the major manufacturers.
But environmentalists scoffed at the increase.
"It's a minuscule number compared to what's needed and what's technically achievable," said Daniel Becker, a fuel economy expert at the Sierra Club.
For that matter, why don't we just legislate that SUVs don't need fuel at all?
Compassionate socialism strikes again.
I like Bush. He's really not out to divide, he's out to unite and move forward reasonably. And thats coming from a
Recovering_Democrat.
It's harder than you think, and will cost some money. There will be some compromises to be made. Its do-able though.
What's needed and what is technically achievable is the balance that sound environmental policy must strike. The latter is what enviros want and what most don't want to drive.
This does not seem socialist. Automakers can easily use capitalism to achieve this goal. They just need to design attractive popular models that happen to get higher MPG. The consumer will make the choice to buy the vehicle they want. The automaker will make money buy designing a popular vehicle, and the environmental/energy needs of America will be improved. A WIN-WIN.
As opposed to the current situation, where they spend billions developing ugly high mileage vehicles so that no one will buy them?
Compassionate socialism strikes again.
So what would you prefer? No enforcement at all? I'm sure Exxon board members would like that, but driving a vehicle that gets 10 gallons to the mile doesn't sound too cool to me.
Yes, it's a rice burner, but the Subaru Baja instantly came to mind.
Nope, but increased use of diesels in the heaver end of the fleet probably make achieving the required increase possible with no pain inflicted on actual SUV's.
Improvements in electronics (engine management) have had a tremendous impact on fuel efficiency in our newer vehicles. This trend alone will contribute to higher average mileage across the board. The auto industry was involved in this decision IMO. George W. does it again (a good job of leading.)
Like a free country, where no nanny tells you what you can or can't buy.
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