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U.S. proposes new fuel economy standard by 2015 |
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The US government has unveiled its plan to raise fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks by 4.5 % per year by 2015. The proposal, expressly preempting California’s stricter car emission rules, has increased the conflict between state and federal authorities.
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2008-04-23
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By 2015, fuel economy of cars would rise to a national average of 35.7 miles per gallon (mpg) from the current 27.5 average, while light truck standards would increase to 28.6 mpg from 22.5 mpg, under a detailed plan on how to implement the first fuel economy increase in the U.S. since 1975. Under the new system, each car manufacturer will have to meet different requirements depending on its model lineup. Overall, the guidelines would boost average fuel economy for all cars and light trucks to 31.6 mpg by 2015, a 25% improvement from current US standards. The proposed rules put into practice legislation signed by President Bush in December 2007 to meet an average standard of 35 mpg by 2020.
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New rules ban California’s GHG law as “obstacle”
The “Notice of Proposed Rulemaking”, unveiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation on 22 April, was not, however, welcomed by everyone. Stating that the more stringent limits on tailpipe emissions embraced by California and 17 other states are “an obstacle to the accomplishment” of the new federal standards, the document “expressly and impliedly preempted” California’s rules, insisting on the fact that only federal bodies could set fuel economy standards.
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As a result, the conflict between the White House and U.S. states has further deteriorated over the question who will set the nation’s first limit on greenhouse gases. California’s Attorney General Brown called the plan “attractive on the surface (… but) a shameful and unlawful assault on California's landmark law.” Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House of Representatives, welcomed the new timeline but added that despite earlier court rulings “the administration has chosen to trot out the same tired old arguments."
Last year, two state courts and the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal laws should not impede other efforts, namely those of California and its followers, to reduce more greenhouse gases by setting stricter standards. After the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency denied California the right to implement its GHG emissions car law last December, observers now expect the car industry to use this language in their legal challenge against the California rules.
Transport sector in “danger zone” of climate change risks
In a separate development, a new study by consultant KPMG has found transport to be in the “danger zone” of climate change risks – meaning that this industry scores highly on the risks it faces through climate change yet scores poorly in terms of its preparedness to face these risks. KPMG evaluated physical, regulatory and reputational risks and concluded that transport is the least prepared of all 18 sectors examined, while the food & beverage, building, or retail industry would face less challenges in the future.
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More information:
 Fuel Economy Rules 2011-15, 22 April (1 MB)
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