Although President Obama and his administration will be relegated to the annals of history by the middle of the next decade, they have floated a goal of 56.2 miles per gallon as the fuel efficiency standard for 2025. USA Today reports that government estimates indicate the increased mileage standards would add a minimum of $2,100 to the cost of a new vehicle.
Despite the higher mileage requirements, “EPA testing, converted for real-world driving, would translate to a window-sticker rating of about 37 mpg for combined city/highway driving.” The paper comments that many of today’s hybrid vehicles (and a number of smaller, traditionally powered cars) already achieve this. Groups such as the Union of Concerned Scientists call for greater efficiency.
Two years ago, Obama announced higher standards for fuel economy. This announcement calls for greater increases over a longer time horizon. According to USA Today, the “new regulation won’t officially be proposed until September. The range being considered is 47 to 62 mpg.” The Detroit News reports that Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood is optimistic about automakers and regulators reaching an agreement on the new standards.
Among the groups supporting the potentially higher mileage requirements is the Consumer Federation of America. To further their aims, the Federation put out a document making the case for consumers.
[Image source]
