New Fuel Standards
According to autoweek.com, the fuel-economy standards will rise 8 percent to an average of 27.3 miles per gallon for the 2011 model year due to the new U.S. rules. The new regulations will have a new system that sets the standards for the different models depending upon its size. Some vehicles will have higher standards than others. For instance, cars will need to have an average of 30.2 mpg which is up from 27.5 mpg. Light trucks standards will be 24.1 mpg up 1 mile per gallon.
“These standards are important steps in the nation’s quest to achieve energy independence and bring more fuel-efficient vehicles to American families,” said Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. The new fuel standards are the first step by President Obama to increase the fuel-economy. Federal law requires the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration give the automakers at least 18 months before making higher standards.
On the bottom of the article on autoweek.com, many people were commenting on these standards. I read that many of the people feel like the government needs to tax gasoline as Europe does. I don’t think that that is necessary at this point. I understand the reasoning behind the taxing; people would then lean towards finding/buying cars with alternative fuel sources. I think that if we continue to increase the fuel standards in the years to come, that’s a step in the right direction. Then, maybe down the road if more people aren’t buying the fuel-efficient vehicles, then we look at the alternative; taxing gasoline. Just my opinion….