S. 357 would improve passenger automobile fuel economy and safety, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, reduce dependence on foreign oil.
Detailed Summary
Ten-in-Ten Fuel Economy Act - Revises corporate average fuel economy standards (CAFE Standards) for automobiles to exclude light trucks (currently, only passenger automobiles are excluded) from such standards. Prescribes graduated increased average fuel economy standards for passenger automobiles and light trucks beginning in model year 2010 in order to achieve a combined average fuel economy standard of at least 35 miles per gallon (or such other number of miles per gallon as the Secretary may prescribe) beginning in model year 2019. Prohibits such regulations from making any distinction between passenger automobiles and light trucks by not later than model year 2013 (effectively eliminating the SUV loophole). Sets forth minimum CAFE standards for domestic and foreign passenger automobiles manufactured in a model year prior to enactment of this Act.
Prescribes maximum CAFE standards for: (1) work trucks manufactured beginning in model year 2013; and (2) light trucks manufactured beginning in model year 2010.
Directs the Secretary of Transportation to issue a motor vehicle safety standard to reduce vehicle incompatibility and agressivity between passenger vehicles and non-passenger vehicles.
Requires passenger automobiles and light trucks be equipped with fuel economy indicators and devices beginning with model year 2014.
Authorizes the Secretary to establish a CAFE credit trading program to allow manufacturers whose automobiles exceed CAFE standards to earn credits to be sold to manufacturers whose automobiles fail to achieve such standards.
Revises fuel economy labeling requirements to require labels attached to passenger automobiles and light trucks to also include greenhouse gas and other emissions consequences information.
Status of the Legislation
Latest Major Action: 5/8/2007: Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
Points in Favor
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Points Against
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Visitor Comments
liberty
How does mandating businesses do something that government has decided is correct save me money??
Frank
All the gov't has to do to improve fuel economy is stop subsidizing the petroleum industry. Per-dollar fuel taxes should be at least twice as high as they are now. That would drive consumers to seek relief through improved-mpg vehicles and deter wasteful usage.
Bruce
I agree with Liberty, I question the calculation that says this legislation would save money. I would save money if I bought a cheap economy car, true. I will save less if the government forces it on me and the automotive industry.
Frank - do you know what subsidize means? That is when the government pays part of the bill. They do not do that for petroleum, as you yourself point out the current fuel taxes. Several alternative fuels, hybrids, etc. however ARE subsidized.
Forno
I looked at the Congressional Budget analysis that's linked above. I think it's what they use to make these estimates. And it says that gas taxes would go down by a lot because less gas would be sold - that's where the savings come from. But it doesn't say what the costs are that would be imposed on auto manufacturers, which obviously go right to auto buyers. So there are savings, but they come at an unknown cost.