Bush Administration Won't Finalize Fuel Economy Rules

Associated Press (1/7, Thomas) – The Bush administration said Wednesday it won't finish implementing new vehicle fuel-economy rules, leaving the issue to the incoming Obama administration…The auto industry was swift to criticize the decision, saying any delay could cost them money.

"I think that all along manufacturers have said we need certainty. ... Anything that delays that makes it more difficult," said Charles Territo, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "We had expected that these rules would have been finalized last year."

The department is required to set rules by April 1, 2009 for how automakers are to meet new fuel economy standards.