Working Cooperatively to Improve Fuel Efficiency in the US

Many have trouble reconciling the seemingly disparate interests of government, automakers and environmentalists, but as the new rules on US cars and light trucks, as well as long-haul trucks and buses reveals, diverse groups can work together to produce the best results for all stakeholders.

“These standards will help spur economic growth, protect the environment, and strengthen our national security by reducing America’s dependence on foreign oil,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “Working together, we are setting the stage for a new generation of clean vehicles.”

President Obama reached the agreement with thirteen major automakers (Ford, GM, Chrysler, BMW, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar/Land Rover, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Toyota and Volvo). The United Auto Workers (UAW), and the State of California, were also an integral part of developing this agreement. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Transportation (DOT) oversaw the viability of the agreement.

“This is another important step toward saving money for drivers, breaking our dependence on imported oil and cleaning up the air we breathe,” said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. “American consumers are calling for cleaner cars that won’t pollute their air or break their budgets at the gas pump, and our innovative American automakers are responding with plans for some of the most fuel efficient vehicles in our history.”

The EPA and NHTSA are developing a joint proposed rulemaking, which will include full details on the proposed program and supporting analyses, including the costs and benefits of the proposal and its effects on the economy, auto manufacturers, and consumers. The agencies plan to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking by the end of September 2011. California plans on adopting its proposed rule in the same time frame as the federal proposal.

The EPA and NHTSA are committed to maintaining a single national framework for vehicle GHG and fuel economy regulation. The agencies will conduct the mid-term evaluation in close coordination with California.