- Jan 7, 2002
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WASHINGTON ? The Environmental Protection Agency is weighing changes to the way it calculates fuel economy ratings posted on new cars and trucks to better reflect real-world driving conditions.
The review, which comes as concerns rise over escalating oil prices, could result in lower posted fuel economy ratings and potentially impact sales of profitable but gas-guzzling pickup trucks and SUVs.
Since the EPA last adjusted the formula for estimating vehicle fuel economy in 1984, highway speed limits have been raised and urban sprawl has created longer, more congested commutes.
Environmental groups argue that the actual fuel economy for today?s vehicles can be as much as 34 percent lower than the city and highway ratings posted on the windows of new cars and trucks.
?Consumers are paying about $200 to $300 more each year for gasoline than the labels indicate may be required,? said Russell Long, executive director of San Francisco-based Bluewater Network, which petitioned the government in June 2002 to look at changes.
The EPA isn?t proposing any specific changes yet. For now, regulators are seeking comments from automakers, motorists and others about real-world driving experiences. Any modifications likely wouldn?t occur until six months to a year after the comment period ends on July 27.
The EPA isn?t proposing any specific changes yet. For now, regulators are seeking comments from automakers, motorists and others about real-world driving experiences. Any modifications likely wouldn?t occur until six months to a year after the comment period ends on July 27.
The EPA?s decision to review the way it calculates the ratings comes during a delicate period for automakers. Gasoline prices have climbed to record highs in Michigan and other states, and there is growing alarm about America?s dependence on foreign oil.
Detroit?s automakers generate a large percentage of their revenues and profits from the sale of SUVs and pickup trucks, and a change in the way the EPA calculates fuel economy ratings could impact sales.
No changes to CAFE values
Any modifications triggered by the EPA?s review, however, will not result in new federal mandates for more fuel efficient vehicles, officials said.
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The review, which comes as concerns rise over escalating oil prices, could result in lower posted fuel economy ratings and potentially impact sales of profitable but gas-guzzling pickup trucks and SUVs.
Since the EPA last adjusted the formula for estimating vehicle fuel economy in 1984, highway speed limits have been raised and urban sprawl has created longer, more congested commutes.
Environmental groups argue that the actual fuel economy for today?s vehicles can be as much as 34 percent lower than the city and highway ratings posted on the windows of new cars and trucks.
?Consumers are paying about $200 to $300 more each year for gasoline than the labels indicate may be required,? said Russell Long, executive director of San Francisco-based Bluewater Network, which petitioned the government in June 2002 to look at changes.
The EPA isn?t proposing any specific changes yet. For now, regulators are seeking comments from automakers, motorists and others about real-world driving experiences. Any modifications likely wouldn?t occur until six months to a year after the comment period ends on July 27.
The EPA isn?t proposing any specific changes yet. For now, regulators are seeking comments from automakers, motorists and others about real-world driving experiences. Any modifications likely wouldn?t occur until six months to a year after the comment period ends on July 27.
The EPA?s decision to review the way it calculates the ratings comes during a delicate period for automakers. Gasoline prices have climbed to record highs in Michigan and other states, and there is growing alarm about America?s dependence on foreign oil.
Detroit?s automakers generate a large percentage of their revenues and profits from the sale of SUVs and pickup trucks, and a change in the way the EPA calculates fuel economy ratings could impact sales.
No changes to CAFE values
Any modifications triggered by the EPA?s review, however, will not result in new federal mandates for more fuel efficient vehicles, officials said.
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