Thursday, January 29, 2009

Obama Directs Regulators to Tighten Auto Standards


President Obama directed federal regulators on Monday to move swiftly on an application by California and 13 other states to set strict limits on greenhouse gases from cars and trucks. He also ordered the Transportation Department to begin drawing up rules imposing higher fuel-economy standards on cars and light trucks.

The directives make good on an Obama campaign pledge and signal a sharp reversal of Bush administration policy. Moving quickly on tailpipe emissions and on mileage rules are emphatic actions Mr. Obama could take to quickly put his stamp on environmental policy.

Mr. Obama announced the actions in the East Room of the White House, saying that his orders were intended “to ensure that the fuel-efficient cars of tomorrow are built right here in America.”

See full Article.