24 August 2005

As gasoline prices continue to soar, the Bush Administration has released a proposal to increase mileage requirements for SUVs, minivans and pickup trucks by 2011; the 2008 interim numbers are actually less stringent, overall, than the current standard.

SUVs, minivans and pickups are considered "light" trucks and account for more than half of all vehicles sold in America; the corporate average fuel efficiency (CAFE) standard for this category is currently 21 mpg. By 2008, the standard will be 22.5 mpg, and by 2011, 23.5 mpg.

Under the Bush proposal, only one-quarter of the light truck fleet will have to meet or exceed the current 2008 standard. And almost half the fleet (47 percent) escape the 2011 standard. [This assumes that the ratio of small-to-large vehicles does not change in the next six years.]

In this proposal, the Department of Transportation has divided light trucks into six categories, based upon "footprint." The footprint is the wheelbase multiplied by track width. Larger vehicles, by this measurement, have less stringent fuel standards.

The Bush proposal does not apply to the largest SUVs, such as the Hummer H2. Passenger cars are also exempt; the current passenger car standard of 27.5 mpg has not changed since 1985.

The proposal is open for public comment until 22 November. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is operating on an expedited schedule, with a goal of completing the final rule by April 2006.

Environmentalists contend that the proposal encourages auto makers to produce larger SUVs, minivans and trucks, since the larger vehicles have lower standards. Auto manufacturers contend that it's costly and there is a trade-off with weight, safety and fuel efficiency. A National Academy of Sciences report suggested, in 2002, that automakers could improve fuel efficiency dramatically by incorporating existing technologies.

The lack of any increase in CAFE standards caused many to criticize the 2005 energy bill.

Proposed Standards for SUVs, Minivans and Pickups

Category / Footprint	%	Current		Proposed		Example
		2008	2011	2008	2011
One / < 43.0 sq ft	5%	22.5	23.5	26.8	28.4	Subaru Forester
Two / 43.0-47.0 sq ft	20%	22.5	23.5	25.6	27.0	Honda CR-V
Three / 47.1-52.0 sq ft	28%	22.5	23.5	22.3	24.5	Nissan Pathfinder
Four / 52.1-56.5 sq ft	22%	22.5	23.5	22.2	23.3	Ford Expedition
Five / 56.6-65.0 sq ft	17%	22.5	23.5	20.7	21.7	Chevy Suburban
Six / >65.0 sq ft	8%	22.5	23.5	20.4	21.2	Chevy Silverado

Table Source: Seattle Times, 24 August, p A19.