President Obama today issued a new executive order that could lead to a big reduction in America’s dependence on oil. The order calls for the setting of federal fuel efficiency standards for large trucks for the first time ever, and lays the groundwork for stronger standards for cars and light trucks in the years to come.
Making heavy-duty trucks more fuel efficient is an important and cost-effective way to reduce oil dependence. It’s also, as we’ve been saying for years, an absolutely essential part of any strategy to reduce the nation’s contribution to global warming.
If we’re going to reduce America’s dependence on oil – and prevent future disasters like the BP oil spill – steps like the one President Obama took today are a must.
Authors
Tony Dutzik is associate director and senior policy analyst with Frontier Group. His research and ideas on climate, energy and transportation policy have helped shape public policy debates across the U.S., and have earned coverage in media outlets from the New York Times to National Public Radio. A former journalist, Tony lives and works in Boston.