Today, US Transportation Secretary, Norm Mineta nicely suggested automakers increase their average fuel economy for light trucks by a few miles per gallon between 2008 and 2011. The administration's plan calls for selective requirements, applying no tightning of standards on the largest of SUVs (like the Hummer H2) or cars, but requiring small trucks and minivans to bear the brunt of greater fuel efficiency — likely to be accomplished through new diesels and higher-mileage sixes — causing environmental groups to spit-take their Spirulina. Still, Mineta says the program will save 10 billion gallons of gasoline, or about a month's worth of consumption, at 320.5 million gallons per day (March 2005). Get ready for a fight over this one.
Gov't proposes new SUV fuel standards [BusinessWeek]
Related:
If the Kids are United: Oregon and Washington to Follow California Emissions Standards [internal]