WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
released its annual report on Friday that tracks the fuel economy of vehicles
sold in the United States, underscoring the major increases made in the
efficiency of the vehicles Americans drive, reducing oil consumption and
cutting carbon emissions.
According to the report, EPA estimates that between 2007 and
2012 fuel economy values increased by 16% while carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions
have decreased by 13%, and in 2012 alone the report indicates a significant one
year increase of 1.4 miles per gallon (mpg) for cars and trucks. ????
"Today??s report shows that we are making strides toward
saving families money at the pump, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and
cleaning up the air we breathe," said Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator
for EPA??s Office of Air and Radiation.
The expected 1.4-mpg improvement in 2012 is based on sales
estimates provided to EPA by automakers. EPA??s projections show a reduction in
CO2 emissions to 374 grams per mile and an increase in average fuel economy to
23.8 mpg. These numbers represent the largest annual improvements since EPA
began reporting on fuel economy. ????
Fuel economy is expected to continue improving significantly
under the Obama administration??s National Clean Car Program standards. The
program will cut greenhouse gas emissions, double fuel economy standards by
2025, and by 2025 reduce oil consumption by more than 2 million barrels a day (as
much as half of the oil imported from OPEC every day).
EPA??s "Light-Duty Automotive Technology, Carbon
Dioxide Emissions, and Fuel Economy Trends: 1975 through 2012" report attributes
the improvements to the rapid adoption of more efficient technologies, the
increasing number of high fuel economy choices for consumers, and the fact that
many automakers are already selling vehicles that can meet more stringent
future fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions standards.
The report indicates that the projected gains for 2012 more
than make up for a slight dip in fuel economy in 2011. Compared to five years
ago, consumers have twice as many hybrid and diesel vehicle choices, a growing
set of plug-in electric vehicle options, and a six-fold increase in the number
of car models with combined city/highway fuel economy of 30 mpg or higher.