A few weeks ago, the Obama Administration announced the finalization of the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) regulations. This initiative mandates that vehicle model years 2025 and later, meet or exceed a standard 54.5 miles per gallon efficiency.
“This historic agreement builds on the progress we’ve already made to save families money at the pump and cut our oil consumption. By the middle of the next decade our cars will get nearly 55 miles per gallon, almost double what they get today.” declared President Obama.
To start reducing fuel costs today, companies can use green GPS tracking systems. Green tracking systems differ from other GPS tracking systems by also monitoring driver behaviors which consume extra fuel, such as excessive idling, speeding, or aggressive driving. Better driving reduces fuel expenses and reduces carbon dioxide emissions.
Working with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTA), thirteen automobile manufacturers participated in negotiating the final CAFE agreement. The State of California, the United Auto Workers, and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) were also involved.
The U.S. House of Representatives’ House Oversight Committee opposed the CAFE regulations stating that the new standards will raise the cost of purchasing vehicles and reduce vehicle safety. Although both the NHTA and EPA agree with the Committee’s report that new vehicle prices may increase as the new standard is adopted, they disagree that vehicle safety will be compromised.
The measure hopes to reduce reliability on foreign petroleum sources and save consumers money at the pump.
Source: www.automotive-fleet.com/News/Story/2012/08/Obama-Administration-Finalizes-54-5-MPG-2025-Fuel-Economy-Standard.aspx?ref=AF-BreakingNews-20120828&utm_source=Email&utm_medium=Enewsletter&prestitial=1; Chart: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Corporate_Average_Fuel_Economy