Even though it includes the first-ever rules for medium and heavy trucks and buses, the auto industry is praising the plans presented last week by President Barack Obama.
The Administration's plans call for new economy standards for cars and light trucks in model years 2017 to 2025 and for large trucks in model years from 2014 to 2018. The long lead times are designed to allow vehicle manufacturers and energy companies time to prepare for compliance.
Obama's program also calls for a single national standard, almost the Holy Grail of the auto industry which has bitterly fought multiple standards like those set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the states that have agreed to adopt the California standards, which have generally been more strict than the federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The new rules will build upon those already approved for light vehicles in model years 2012 to 2016. The President plans to enlist federal and state governments, the auto industry and environmental groups to come up with the new regulations.
The Administration's plans call for new economy standards for cars and light trucks in model years 2017 to 2025 and for large trucks in model years from 2014 to 2018. The long lead times are designed to allow vehicle manufacturers and energy companies time to prepare for compliance.
Obama's program also calls for a single national standard, almost the Holy Grail of the auto industry which has bitterly fought multiple standards like those set by the California Air Resources Board (CARB) and the states that have agreed to adopt the California standards, which have generally been more strict than the federal standards set by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The new rules will build upon those already approved for light vehicles in model years 2012 to 2016. The President plans to enlist federal and state governments, the auto industry and environmental groups to come up with the new regulations.