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CONTACT: Jim DiPeso, (253) 740-2066 or dipeso@repamerica.org
An upcoming federal rule on light truck fuel economy must ensure substantial efficiency improvements, REP America, the national grassroots organization of Republicans for environmental protection, said.
"It's important to keep our eye on the ball. The overall fuel economy of motor vehicles in the U.S. has reached a 22-year low. We must reverse that trend. Increasing motor vehicle fuel efficiency is the single most important step America can take to reduce our dangerous dependence on foreign oil and lower greenhouse gas emissions," REP America Policy Director Jim DiPeso said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration plans to revise the way fuel economy standards are set for light trucks, which account for half of motor vehicle sales.
The U.S. today uses nearly 20 million barrels of oil per day, with nearly 60 percent coming from foreign sources. Motor gasoline accounts for approximately 40 percent of petroleum consumption.
A 2001 report by the National Academy of Sciences said that significant increases in light truck fuel efficiency could be achieved through technology improvements. Light trucks include sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and pickup trucks.
"Reforming the way fuel economy standards are set for light trucks has some merit, as long as fuel efficiency is improved overall. What would be unacceptable is a new system that worsens fuel efficiency," DiPeso said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is considering several reforms in the system for setting light truck fuel economy standards. They include:
1)Breaking light trucks into size- or weight-based classes with differing fuel efficiency standards. Today, a common standard applies to all light trucks.
2) Adopting a system of tradable credits providing economic incentives to manufacturers to exceed fuel efficiency standards.
3) Raising the ceiling for vehicles subject to fuel efficiency standards from 8,500 to 10,000 pounds gross vehicle weight rating.
4) Moving at least some light trucks into the passenger car category, which must meet higher standards.
"We urge the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to design the upcoming rule carefully. Our nation's security, environment, and economy depend on substantially improving fuel efficiency," DiPeso said.
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