Fuel Efficiency Standards for Trucks to be Established by the EPA and DOT

EPA and DOT have been directed by President Obama to develop a national policy to target fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions from future models of medium and heavy duty trucks. The Presidential Memorandum signed on May 21 specifies that models made between 2014 and 2018 should be equipped with existing and emerging technologies, and collaborations with the agencies, the United Auto Workers and selected states will be mandated. Ideally, the advanced fuel saving devices will be installed on light duty trucks and passenger vehicles beginning in 2017.

A report published by the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) and CALSTART entitled "Delivering Jobs: The Economic Costs and Benefits of Improving Heavy Duty Vehicle Fuel Economy" projected that this fuel efficiency program could create up to 124,000 jobs by 2030 and save more oil annually than can be produced by expanding offshore drilling. According to Don Anair, the co-author of the report and USC's senior analyst, "our report demonstrates that improving the gas mileage of these vehicles not only would provide opportunity for economic growth and job creation, but would strengthen our energy security and reduce global warming emissions as well."