White House Pushes New Fuel Efficiency Standards

Published December 24, 2015

(Pittsburgh) The Obama administration announced Tuesday new efficiency standards for cars and trucks as well as more stringent regulations on greenhouse gas emissions.

President Obama previewed the official announcement while speaking at a General Motors plant in Warren, Ohio. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson laid out the details back in Washington.

"This action will give our auto companies some long-overdue clarity, stability, and predictability," explained the President. "In the past, an agreement like this would have been impossible - but this time was different," he said citing how unions, environmentalists, republicans and democrats alike were on the same page.

Under the new standards, new vehicles would have to average 35.5 miles per gallon by the year 2016. Current law requires vehicles to meet 35 miles per gallon by 2020.

Ms. Jackson explained the new rules "will have the effect of taking 42 million cars off the road."

The benefits come at a price though - about $1,300 per vehicle. LaHood and Jackson said that consumers who bought 2016 model vehicles would save at least $3,000 in better gas mileage over time.

It was Mr. Obama's first visit to an auto manufacturing plant since taking office,. He told Ohio autoworkers that he has a "ton of fight" left in him for the middle class.

"I want you to know that every day I step into the Oval Office, I am thinking about you, I am working for you, and I am fighting on your behalf," said the President in describing some of the "tough" decisions he's had to make in the eight months since taking office.

Those decisions he alluded to were bailing out the auto industry and the financial sector. Noting that he "didn't run for President to manage auto companies," the President explained that government intervention was essential to the survival of the middle class and "the success of our economy."

The Lordstown plant is rehiring 1,050 employees by next month due to increased demand for the Chevy Cobalt which it produces.

The Cobalt became a hot selling model due to the "Cash for Clunkers"

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-pushes-new-fuel-efficiency-standards