EPA Affirms Clean Cars Standards

Environment New York

New York, NY– Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency affirmed that automakers can and must make cars and trucks more efficient. This action ensures that fuel efficiency standards will continue to increase as proposed in 2012, with cars and light-duty trucks reaching 54.5 miles per gallon by model year 2025. These standards will make our vehicles go twice as far on a gallon of gas, reduce dangerous air pollution, protect our climate, and save American drivers money at the pump.

“Today’s announcement ensures that our cars and trucks will become increasingly cleaner, helping to protect our health and our environment,” said Heather Leibowitz, Director of Environment New York. “Transportation is now the largest source of dangerous carbon pollution in the country, so these standards are more important than ever.”

The determination solidifies Presidents Obama’s commitment to clean car standards, reducing oil consumption and climate pollution. These standards will eliminate six billion metric tons of global warming pollution, reduce oil use by 12 billion barrels and save consumers $1.7 trillion at the pump. Auto companies have made multiple attempts to weaken the standards, but EPA has held firm.

The 2012 fuel efficiency rules were created with a midterm review to evaluate whether they are feasible. That question has been answered – they are. Last year, EPA and the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration concluded in a technical assessment report that automakers can meet and exceed the standards. In fact, automakers have already produced multiple vehicles that exceed the standards. 
 
“Cleaning up tailpipes is crucial to protect our health and the planet,” said Leibowitz. “While we believe these standards can and should be stronger, we thank President Obama for his commitment to put cleaner cars on the road.”