President Barack Obama has announced several new rules for fuel efficiency standards this month.
The first of which is a deal with automakers to double overall fuel economy to 54.5 mpg by 2025, starting in model year 2017. Cars and light trucks now on the road average 27 mpg.
Just last week, Obama also announced heavy vehicles like fire trucks and concrete mixers, semis and heavy-duty pickups will have new efficiency standards as well.
This is good news for Maine and good news for the country.
Under the new rules, big rigs or semis will have to cut fuel consumption and production of heat-trapping gases by up to 23 percent, while gasoline-powered heavy-duty pickups and vans will have to cut consumption by 10 percent ”“ or by 15 percent if the vehicles run on diesel fuel, according to the Associated Press.
The standards also call for a 9 percent reduction in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions for work trucks, which include everything from fire trucks to buses.
The White House projects savings of 530 million barrels of oil and $50 billion in fuel costs over the expected lives of the vehicles covered by the new standards.
In addition to a reduction in cost for consumers and corporations relying on work vehicles, the health and environmental benefits will be great.
Cutting emissions from cars and trucks is an easy way to decrease air pollution, especially since automakers already have the technology to create more fuel-efficient vehicles.
There is much debate over the cost, safety and viability of renewable resources like wind and solar powers, but making fuel efficiency standards higher is a win-win.
Automakers have agreed to the goals, and top executives of 11 major car companies joined the president in announcing the changes in late July.
Although the targets will likely not apply to every vehicle, due to a formula that gives credits to manufacturers for electric cars, the use of low-emission air conditioning refrigerant and technology that shuts down engines at traffic lights, it is a step in the right direction.
While some people may not want an electric or hybrid car, all would agree that less trips to the gas pump would be beneficial, especially with prices where they are now.
In addition to saving Americans money, new standards will help reduce pollution and our dependence on oil. New standards also pave the way for higher standards in years to come.
Taking an approach through technology also reduces the need for new oil drilling operations. Last year’s Deepwater Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico showed us just how dangerous drilling for oil can be.
Hopefully these changes will result in a significant reduction in the United States’ demand for and consumption of oil. Increasing fuel economy is the right thing to do and will benefit consumers, corporations and the overall future health of this country.
Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham, on behalf of the Journal Tribune editorial board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, Ext. 322, or via e-mail at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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