Written by:
SPEED Staff
SPEEDtv.com
05/18/2009
Washingtom, D.C.
Chrysler unveiled the Dodge Circuit electric vehicle at the 2009 Detroit auto show. (Photo: Chrysler)
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The Obama administration will propose stricter vehicle-emissions standards and an accelerated timetable for fuel efficiency Tuesday, which would resolve a rift between California and federal standards, Reuters news service reports.
The plan would bring together California’s efforts to limit greenhouse gases with the U.S. program that sets fuel-economy standards based on vehicles type and weight, according to Reuters.
If California and a group of other states that want to adopt California’s standards accept the plan, it would resolve the legal and political issues with the auto industry regarding how to increase fuel mileage and lower pollutants.
The proposal also would increase pressure on the struggling automakers to accelerate development of more efficient engines, gas/electric hybrids and electric vehicles.
Annual mileage goals would be set from 2012-16 and would top out at 42 miles per gallon for cars and just over 26 mpg for light trucks, which include pickups, SUVs and minivans, according the Reuters. Those targets are more aggressive than the current average goal for the U.S. fleet of 35 mpg by 2020, stemming from a December 2007 law.
