Revisiting Auto Fuel Efficiency
The Bush administration said late Tuesday that it wants to immediately begin a government review that could lead to increased auto fuel efficiency standards, which have not been changed in 26 years.
Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta, in a letter to congressional leaders, asked lawmakers to permit his agency to begin a rule-making process that would research Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards.
“Responsibly crafted CAFE standards under existing law should increase efficiency without negatively impacting the U.S. automotive industry,” Mineta said.
During the Clinton administration, the Republican-controlled Congress, supported by the auto industry, blocked transportation planners from considering an increase in fuel efficiency standards.
Set by Congress in 1975, CAFE standards require that passenger cars achieve an average of 27.5 miles per gallon and light trucks 20.7 mpg.
In recent weeks, efforts to block an executive branch review fizzled during consideration of transportation spending legislation in the House. The Democratic-led Senate plans a committee review of transportation spending this week.
A spike in gasoline prices has put pressure on lawmakers, including key Republicans, to ease their opposition to considering higher standards.
A senior Transportation Department official said Mineta wants to “get out in front” on the issue and push the White House energy policy. He also wants to make sure lawmakers will not reverse the course they have chosen this year on fuel efficiency and throw up a legislative obstacle.
“I would like to work with you and the Congress to allow the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to start right away with its rule-making process under current law to improve vehicle fuel efficiency standards,” Mineta wrote to House and Senate leaders.
Crafting federal rules generally takes years.
As part of its national energy plan, the Bush administration is waiting for a fuel efficiency study by the National Academy of Sciences to be released at the end of this month. That evaluation could form the rationale for boosting standards.
A House energy subcommittee is expected to approve a bill this week that will include language supporting fuel efficiency standards for sport-utility vehicles and other light trucks.
