EPA and DOT propose vehicle standards to reduce emissions and fuel consumption

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced today that they are proposing standards for both medium and heavy-duty vehicles in a bid to cut carbon pollution and fuel consumption.

“Once upon a time, to be pro-environment you had to be anti-big-vehicles. This rule will change that,” said U.S Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “In fact, these efficiency standards are good for the environment – and the economy. When trucks use less fuel, shipping costs go down. It’s good news all around, especially for anyone with an online shopping habit.”

The proposed standards stand to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in an amount equal to that stemming from the annual energy use of all American residents. This means reducing CO2 emissions by 1 billion metric tons over the vehicles’ lifetimes, as well as generating $170 billion in fuel cost savings and reducing oil consumption by 1.8 billion barrels.

“We’re delivering big time on President Obama’s call to cut carbon pollution,” said EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy. “With emission reductions weighing in at 1 billion tons, this proposal will save consumers, businesses and truck owners money; and at the same time spur technology innovation and job-growth, while protecting Americans’ health and our environment over the long haul.”