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Fuel economy deal gives automakers some wiggle room

This year's battle over tougher fuel economy standards has featured environmentalists demanding unbreakable guarantees for more-efficient cars and trucks, while automakers defended flexibility to meet an uncertain future.

Friday's compromise represented a split decision, according to the Detroit Free Press's Justin Hyde.
The deal negotiated by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Rep. John Dingell, a Dearborn Democrat, will force U.S. automakers to make a 40% improvement in their vehicles' mileage to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

The proposal sets those targets, which the industry loudly opposed for much of this year, as the floor for federal regulators: They cannot set lower standards, but could impose a higher goal if they see fit.

Posted by Peter C. T. Elsworth  at 9:47 AM to Fuel economy , Government regulations | Permalink

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