Rethinking targets on gas mileage
Even though fuel efficiency standards were updated a few months ago, they already sound outdated. Some groups wish to set shorter-term goals beyond the current 35-mpg target. Sarah Gardner reports.
Milling over a car engine (iStockPhoto.com)
More on Sustainability, Auto Industry
TEXT OF STORY
Scott Jagow: Today, the House debates the role of gas mileage in the whole equation of fuel costs. Congress just updated fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks just a few months ago, but already they sound outdated. Sarah Gardner has more.
Sarah Gardner: Thirty-five miles per gallon by 2020. That's the new fleetwide fuel efficiency standard for cars and light trucks. But that standard is based on gas price assumptions in the mid-$2 range.
The Department of Transportation has the authority to go beyond the numbers set by Congress. Brendan Bell at the Union of Concerned Scientists says the agency should do just that.
Brendan Bell: We think the Department of Transportation should give Americans the fuel economy that they need right now. And 40 miles by 2020 is very achievable.
Automakers say that's a stretch.
Charles Territo is with the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers:
Charles Territo: Fuel economy standards that were set last year as part of the Energy Independence and Security Act push the limits of what's technologically feasible.
DOT is not expected to exceed the 35 mpg standard, but is likely to propose bigger efficiency gains by 2015 than Congress initially sought.
I'm Sarah Gardner for Marketplace.
Comments
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From OH, 07/16/2008
I think that the masses are forgetting that we asked for this. I mean, we wanted bigger, badder ego-centric machines that were showy, and we didn't care what it took to look the part. Surprise, surprise. We steered the industry away from efficient vehicles for a luxury that the world economy took advantage of. I knowingly bought a small SUV a few years ago to replace a very fuel-friendly Neon. I looked at all the options, knowing that gas was going to be a big factor, but I need this sized vehicle for my job. I could not afford to make two trips with my old car, so I cut time and costs by getting a larger one. The technology is out there for efficient transportation. If you remember to only use what you need (real conservation), you will have nothing to complain about. Quit complaining and become part of the solution, instead of compounding the problem.
Have you changed your light bulbs today?
From West Bloomfield, MI, 06/29/2008
I work in the auto industry. There are many pieces in the puzzle to higher fuel mileage in today's heavy, overly regulated and safe vehicles. I too had cars getting better mileage back in the day - but they were much lighter and less regulated by the government. Yes, we can do 40 or 50 mpg. Just expect some sacrifice in features, size, performance and additional costs. Todays maketing machines sold you all SUV's and a lifestyle while you could have bought sensibly. It takes time - three years to design a new vehicle and pass all crash and EPA tests plus many more. I welcome the challenge ahead, it will be great for all automotive designers and engineers worldwide.
06/26/2008
I already get 33 to 34 mpg on my A4 wagon with a EPA rating of 27 mpg! How did I do that, I drive more responsibly and I've slowed down. I adjusted the nut behind the wheel! By 2020 I hope I'm not still pumping gas in to a car, we are a resourceful country that can engineer our way out of burning oil. Besides we need to save that oil for all of the other recyclable petro chemical stuff we use every day like Nylon, plastics, etc. it is all oil folks let's stop sending it out the tail pipe.
From Orange, CT, 06/26/2008
The Auto industry just doesn't seem to get it! We have had higher fuel economy in the past and we want it NOW! If Ford and GM want to make a come-back then this is the way to do it!
From Irvine, CA, 06/26/2008
My '81 Datsun 310 got 35 MPG, not the EPA estimate, on the highway @65 mph. 27 years later Detroit still thinks they can negotiate every tenth of an MPG. Don't these people read Jack Welch ? "Incremental change doesn't work".
Enthusiasm for automobiles has been a big part of my life. But hearing American car companies tell Congress what they can't do is kind of like watching Ford make a Mustang out of a Pinto (idiotic and very painful).
I really can't imagine driving any sort of hydrocarbon rig in 2020.
From New Prague, MN, 06/26/2008
I agree with the previous comment. When new my 1990 Honda CRX consistently achieved 40 mpg. So, too, did my family's Eagle (Mitsubishi)Summit 4-door, all the while providing reasonable room for four persons and good features. That's why it is disappointing that the 2006 Honda Civic Coupe and Scion Xa we currently drive achieve only between 33 and 35 mpg. Even our college-age sounds high-mileage 1994 Olds Cutlass achieves 28 mpg. Come on, we know this industry, with its massively talented work force, can do this!
From Richmond, VA, 06/26/2008
What is so difficult with 40mpg? I already get 40/mpg (highway) on my 2006 Honda Civic 4door LX. I am trying to get it higher to 60mpg hopefully with little tweaks.
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