Gas mileage standards too low, too slow

As prices at the pump hit previously unimaginable highs this summer Environment Michigan championed policies that would reduce America’s dependence on oil and chart a course for a cleaner, smarter energy future. But President Bush and Senate Republican leadership dragged their feet on new mileage standards, pushing for more offshore drilling instead of more investment in clean energy. 

In December 2007, Congress passed Environment Michigan-backed increases in gas mileage. The law requires the Bush administration’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to set “the highest gas mileage standard technologically and economically feasible.” In June of this year, NHTSA Administrator Nicole Nason proposed the slowest and lowest standard allowed under the law—35 mpg by 2020.

“Administrator Nason’s explanation is that people don’t want cars that get better gas mileage,” said Energy Program Director Rob Sargent. “But the agency’s calculations are based on the notion that gas costs $2.32 a gallon and Americans aren’t concerned about our dependence on oil!”

Environment Michigan called on NHTSA to conduct public hearings to listen to citizens’ concerns about dependence on oil, global warming, and the high price at the pump. In June, Energy Advocate Ben Schrieber delivered thousands of public comments on the proposal to NHTSA.