EPA Proposes Cleaner Fuels and Cars Standard

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed achievable standards for cars that will significantly reduce harmful pollution, and also improve efficiency in the cars and trucks we drive. It could also prevent thousands of premature deaths and illnesses in respiratory ailments in children.

"Today's proposed standards – which will protect the most vulnerable – are the next step in our work to protect public health and will provide the automotive industry with the certainty they need to offer the same car models in all 50 states," said EPA Acting Administrator Bob Preciasepe.

The EPA estimates that by 2030, the proposed standards will provide many health-related benefits, and reduce exposure to pollution near roads. It will also reduce gasoline sulfur levels by more than 60 percent in 2017, which will enable vehicle emission control technologies to perform more efficiently.

"The proposal is designed to be implemented over the same time frame as the next phase of EPA's national program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from cars and light trucks."

The proposal will be available for public comment and the EPA will hold public hearings once the proposal is published in the Federal Register.

Read more about the proposed EPA program.

By Gaylen Davenport