Obama Administration Announces Fuel Efficiency Standards

Associated Press (9/16, Pace, Thomas) reports that as a UN-sponsored climate change summit approaches, "the Obama administration sought to gain momentum Tuesday by unveiling its plan to require better gas mileage for cars and trucks and the first-ever rules on vehicle greenhouse gas emissions." Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson announced the proposed regulations at the White House in a "follow-up to President Barack Obama's announcement in May that the government regulations would link emissions and fuel economy standards." During a visit to a General Motors plant in Ohio on Tuesday, Obama said of the proposal, "This action will give our auto companies some long-overdue clarity, stability and predictability." The regulations would require "the auto industry's fleet of new vehicles to average 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016," and "cover vehicle model years 2012 through 2016."

New York Times (9/16, Broder), officials said that "the rules offered concrete proof of the administration's commitment to address global warming just days before a series of international meetings on climate change open in Washington and at the United Nations," while "broader legislation to deal with climate change is haltingly moving through Congress." The Wall Street Journal (9/16, Power, Mitchell), and the Washington Post (9/16, Fahrenthold, Eilperin) also report the story. Hat Tip: NAM