Tighter emission rules for cars and lorries finalised

Consumers will pay more for cars upfront but may save money in the long term under new rules fin-alised on Thursday by the Obama administration that will increase fuel efficiency and for the first time set greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and light trucks.

The new fuel efficiency standards, issued by the Transportation Department and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as the result of a May 2009 deal with the auto industry, represent a peaceful end to a contentious legal battle over how to regulate tailpipe emissions. At a time when it is unclear whether Congress will pass climate legislation this year, the new rules also mark the White House's most significant achievement yet in addressing global warming.

By model year 2016, vehicles must get an average of 35.5 miles per gallon (6.6 litres per 100 kilometres). The requirements will add as much as $985 (Dh3,622) to a vehicle's initial cost, according to EPA estimates, but buyers will save about $4,000 on fuel over the life of the car, administration officials said.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson estimated that the tougher Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) requirements will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of cars and trucks sold between the 2012-16 model years with those vehicles' improved efficiency.

"These historic new standards set ambitious but achievable fuel economy requirements for the automotive industry that will also encourage new and emerging technologies," LaHood said. "We will be helping American motorists save money at the pump while putting less pollution in the air."

Move hailed

Environmentalists hailed the move, saying it will transform the US auto market. The fuel economy standards move up goals set in a 2007 energy law, which mandated a 35 mpg average by 2020. Passenger cars and light trucks now are required to get an average of 27.5 mpg. As a result of the new rules, greenhouse gas emissions from cars should be reduced 21 per cent by 2030.

"These standards are good for consumers, the companies, the country and the planet," said David Doniger, policy director of the Natural Resources Defence Council's climate centre. Gloria Bergquist, vice president at the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, said the new requirement "gives us a clear road map for future fuel economy increases."