• Proposed CAFE increase withdrawn

    The U.S. Senate has sidestepped efforts to boost Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles and light trucks by giving the DOT a two-year window to develop its own vehicle mileage proposals. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and John McCain (R-AZ) had proposed increasing CAFE standards from 24 mpg for cars and light trucks to 36 mpg by 2015. The proposal took aim at the overall poor
    March 14, 2002
    The U.S. Senate has sidestepped efforts to boost Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for automobiles and light trucks by giving the DOT a two-year window to develop its own vehicle mileage proposals.

    Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and John McCain (R-AZ) had proposed increasing CAFE standards from 24 mpg for cars and light trucks to 36 mpg by 2015. The proposal took aim at the overall poor fuel economy of light trucks, which are subject to less-stringent fuel economy standards than cars.

    Both Kerry and McCain said they would withdraw their CAFE proposal after the Senate voted 62-38 for an amendment to a larger package of energy legislation that gives DOT two years to develop new vehicle mileage standards. However, the amendment said that DOT must consider vehicle safety and economic impact of any new mileage standards it develops.

    About the Author

    Sean Kilcarr

    Editor in Chief

    Sean Kilcarr is a former longtime FleetOwner senior editor who wrote for the publication from 2000 to 2018. He served as editor-in-chief from 2017 to 2018.

     

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