New U.S. vehicle fuel standards to cut oil imports

The U.S. government’s higher fuel economy requirements for new vehicles are expected to reduce gasoline consumption and cut fuel imports, the government said. The vehicle fuel efficiency standards will be phased in starting with the 2012 model year, raising vehicle fuel economy to an average 35.5 miles per gallon by the time the 2016 models are in showrooms – up 42% from the current level. Over the two-decade life-span of the better-mileage cars and trucks, the government expects about 1.8 billion barrels of oil to be saved. (April 2, 2010)