In pursuit of his energy and environmental agenda, President Barack Obama ordered new auto standards last week, aimed at pursuing the path to energy independence.

Obama signed two presidential memoranda: one allowing states to increase emissions standards and the other establishing higher fuel efficiency standards for carmakers.

"I'm announcing the first steps on our journey toward energy independence, as we develop new energy, set new fuel efficiency standards and address greenhouse gas emissions," Obama told the press, as he signed the memoranda. "Each step begins to move us in a new direction, while giving us the tools that we need to change."

In a break from Bush administration policy, California and more than a dozen other states were granted permission to raise emissions standards above the national standard.

"Instead of serving as a partner, Washington stood in their way," Obama said. "The days of Washington dragging its heels are over."

Some lawmakers are critical of allowing different standards for different states.

"A separate California standard will not only create the 'confusing and patchwork set of standards' that President Obama today implied he wanted to avoid, but also, ... is discriminatory against U.S.-made vehicles of the same efficiency as the imports," said Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., in a news release.

In addition to emissions standards, fuel efficiency was also addressed. The president directed the Department of Transportation to establish higher fuel efficiency standards, starting with the 2011 models, in what he called "a down payment on a broader and sustained effort to reduce our dependence on foreign oil."

By 2020 all new vehicles would be required to meet the standard of at least 35 miles per gallon. U.S. auto makers say they are on board to find workable solutions.

"GM is working aggressively on the products and the advance technologies that match the nation's and consumer's priorities to save energy and reduce emissions," General Motors said in a news release. "We're ready to engage the Obama administration and the Congress on policies that support meaningful and workable solutions and targets that benefit consumers from coast to coast."

But the increased regulations on Detroit automakers are still concerning some.

"With the stroke of a pen, the President has unleashed a hornet's nest of new local, state and federal regulations on the auto industry," U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., said. "Today's decision to pile on new regulations without any substantive help is a cruel blow to Michigan workers and their families."

However, the president insisted the goal was not to burden a struggling industry.

"It is to help America's automakers prepare for the future," he said.



Copyright Brigham Young University 2 Feb 2009