The Environmental and Energy Study Institute (EESI) invites you to a briefing on the economic impacts of both in-place and proposed corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) standards for passenger vehicles and light-duty trucks. Higher fuel economy standards can cut drivers' fuel costs, increase energy security, protect the environment, and promote both economic growth and technological advancement. After remaining unchanged for more than 20 years, vehicle efficiency will this year begin to rise by five percent annually, reaching 35.5 miles per gallon (mpg) by Model Year 2016. This standard is projected to conserve 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the lifetime of new vehicles sold during this period.
The Obama administration, in consultation with the auto industry, has proposed to raise CAFE standards to 54.5 mpg by Model Year 2025. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that this rule would generate $311 billion to $421 billion in net savings. A final ruling is expected this summer.
The briefing will cover topics such as CAFE standards' overall financial impact on drivers, public opinion regarding fuel economy, the effects of a higher national standard on the automotive industry, implications for national security through reduced oil consumption, and how vehicle technology will likely advance to meet the 2025 standard. Speakers at this event will include:
- David Greene, Corporate Fellow, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
- Shannon Baker-Branstetter, Policy Counsel, Consumers Union
- Adrian Deveny, Office of Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR)
- Representative of the Truman National Security Project
Sen. Merkley is the cosponsor of the Promoting Electric Vehicles Act of 2011, S. 948, with Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN). Dr. David Greene has studied transportation policy issues for the U.S. government for more than 30 years and authored more than 200 publications. He is an emeritus member of both the Energy and Alternative Fuels Committees of the Transportation Research Board.
This event is free and open to the public. No RSVP required.
