Bush has told auto manufactures that he is raising the CAFE requirements for all light trucks (SUV's, Minivans, Pickup Trucks) that by 2011 the new gas mileage requirements will have to average 24 MPG for their Light Truck Fleet.
This also includes the larger SUV's like Hummer and Chevy Suburban.
What does this mean for the environment?
The changes for light trucks will cost about $6.7 billion and add about $200 to the price of a vehicle, which owners can recover in gas savings after four years, Bush officials said. About 10.7 billion gallons in gasoline will be saved over the program, which will be phased in over four years beginning in 2008.
How did the auto manufactuers react?
Automakers reacted cautiously."It is going to be a challenge for automakers but they are committed to meeting it," said Eron Shosteck, spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "There are going to be significant engineering questions that have to be addressed."
And of course the greenies had to put their 2 cents in.
But environmentalists and car safety groups charged that the new fuel economy standards fall far short of President Bush's drive to dramatically reduce American dependence on foreign oil.Posted by Quality Weenie at March 30, 2006 08:32 AM | TrackBack"This is the president who has said we are addicted to oil. But if this is the best we can do, we aren't going to get out of rehab," said spokesman Charlie Miller of the Environmental Defense.
Complete and total B.S.
Nothing but pure politics here -- at the expense of the consumer.
Posted by: Ogre at March 30, 2006 12:01 PMHa! If the standard was 100mpg the Greenies would still say it wasn't enough - the wankers!
Well it will be interesting to see how many trucks are sold when they are so woefully underpowered that they can't even accelerate to get on the highway. Not that I care one way or the other - I find it all amusing.
Posted by: Teresa at March 30, 2006 12:55 PMIf I wanted good gas mileage, I'd buy a Geo.
I *really* wish Congress would stop listening to the Greenies...
Posted by: Harvey at March 30, 2006 02:36 PMSo you're saying if you want a good truck or SUV you need to purchase one before 2011?
When they say light truck, are they including ones like the f-150 and Chevy 1500s?
Posted by: Contagion at March 30, 2006 07:26 PMYes Contagion - F150 and Chevy trucks were already under the CAFE requirements, trucks under 8500 lbs were there. They are now adding the trucks between 8500 and 10,000 lbs.
Posted by: Quality Weenie at March 31, 2006 10:00 AM