Light Truck and SUV Blogs

U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary E. Peters proposed another increase in fuel efficiency standards on April 22. In the last six years, the Bush administration has increased the nation’s Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) standards twice already, including an increase in mileage requirements for light trucks.

Peters proposed that cars and light trucks increase by 4.5 percent each year starting in 2010 through 2015 — overall equating to an additional 25 percent total increase. This is in addition to the 3.3 percent base increase proposed last year by Congress.

According to Peters the proposal will save an estimated 55 billion gallons of fuel. “Another benefit according to Peters is a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions estimated at 521 million metric tons.” She says the plan will save America’s drivers more than $100 billion in fuel costs over the lifetimes of the vehicles covered by the rule.

One organization, 40mpg.org, feels that this additional step is not enough and that the government should shoot for an even higher standard.

They say, “Why is Washington shooting so low on mpg? We already know that much higher levels of fuel economy are possible faster, and others agree that the time for half solutions has passed … With gas prices continuing to rise each week to historical records across the country, including $4 gas in California, we need to push for the maximum achievable fuel efficiency ASAP.”

With fuel prices rising, I can’t imagine why anyone wouldn’t want increased gas mileage. The question though is at what price? Will the fuel economy upgrades come at the expense of aftermarket sales? Will performance shops’ bread and butter become standard equipment on cars and trucks to meet these guidelines if Congress adopts Peters’ recommendations? Another option might involve attaining the mpg standard at the expense of horsepower or durability. Will trucks be made with less horsepower to meet the standard or potentially made with lighter-weight materials? There may be other ways to meet the standard as well that I haven’t thought of. Post your opinions and thoughts today.