WASHINGTON, July 29 (UPI) -- Proposed rules for fuel efficiency in the United States are good for the economy, the environment and energy security, the National Wildlife Federation said.
U.S. President Barack Obama was to unveil new fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks Friday. Over a series of incremental increases, the new standards would impose restrictions on greenhouse gas emissions and push fuel efficiency standards to the equivalent of more than 50 miles per gallon by 2025.
"We all benefit from robust standards to cut our oil dependence, create American jobs, and protect wildlife and public health and we stand ready to defend these gains from extremist, politically motivated attacks," Larry Schweiger, president and chief executive officer at the National Wildlife Federation, said in a statement.
Schweiger was referring to a bill under consideration by the Republican-controlled U.S. House of Representatives that would block the new fuel efficiency standards.
U.S. Rep. Fred Upton, R-Mich., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, said in a letter to Obama and Senate Democrats early this week the fuel standards were too aggressive.
"We need a balanced approach to fuel economy regulation with reasonable and achievable targets that will reduce our consumption of oil and greenhouse gas emissions while preserving U.S. jobs and promoting U.S. manufacturing," his letter states.
U.S. fuel economy standards lag behind those in place in China and the European Union.
