As I outlined in last month’s Greenformance column, the EPA is preparing a proposal to further define emissions standards for cars and light trucks through the year 2025. Depending on the scenario chosen, this will regulate vehicles to achieve between 47 miles per gallon (low greenhouse gas reduction) and 62 mpg (high greenhouse gas reduction) by the quarter century mark. This is a substantial change from the 2016 regulations, with its mid-30’s mpg numbers.
’ve said that the domestic automakers will emerge from their recent financial difficulties in better shape than in recent memory. My point in that blog was that the so-called bailout of the Detroit Three is the news, but it isn’t the key issue. The Detroit Three will restructure and emerge in decent shape.
I’ve also said we should care about what happens after that point. That’s because if there’s one lesson from the problems of the automakers it should be that apparently simple decisions often have lasting negative consequences. What we are deciding now are the policies for 7-20 years from now regarding fuel usage.
I confess to having mixed emotions about the Obama administration’s move over the weekend to throw Rick Wagoner under the Escalade.
On the one hand, Mr. Wagoner was pretty clearly toast last fall. He had to get the axe, at a minimum for political reasons, but for sound reasons as well.