Obama Directs Development of New Fuel Standards

In a presidential memorandum, Obama instructed the government to develop mileage and pollution standards for big trucks as well as cars and SUVs, with a goal of seeing vehicles running on half the fuel they currently use.

According to environmental advocacy group the Union of Concerned Scientists, large trucks consume 20 percent of vehicular fuel used in the U.S.

The EPA has estimated that commercial trucks produce 21 percent of transportation-related greenhouse gas emissions. Passenger cars produce 33 percent and SUVs, pickups and minivans produce an additional 29 percent.

Agencies were given approximately a year to develop fuel efficiency and emissions standards for commercial trucks and buses that would apply for model years 2014-2018. Stricter standards for cars and light trucks would take effect for model years 2017-2025.

Automakers have supported federal standards extending several years into the future over state-by-state standards. The trucking industry, while generally supportive of fuel efficiency standards, has warned that truck prices may increase as new rules take effect.

President Obama cited the disaster in the Gulf as a reminder that “our long-term security depends on the development of alternative sources of fuel and new transportation technologies.”

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