Car manufacturers are required to gradually achieve an average fuel economy of 54 miles per gallon. Credit: Mason Jones / Unsplash.

The US Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have released a notice of proposed rulemaking to freeze fuel economy standards.

This move is aimed at providing Americans with greater access to safer and affordable vehicles that are more environmentally friendly.

The ‘Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicles Rule for Model Years (MY) 2021-26 Passenger Cars and Light Trucks (SAFE Vehicles Rule)’ is the next generation of the Congress-mandated Corporate Average Fuel Economy and Light-Duty Vehicle Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards.

“The new rules are expected to cut the rising cost of new automobiles, which has increased to an average of $35,000 or more and is not economically feasible for many American families.”

At present, car manufacturers are required to gradually achieve an average fuel economy of 54 miles per gallon across their passenger car and light truck fleets by 2025, according to rules introduced in 2012.

However, the new rules propose freezing the increase at 37 miles per gallon in 2020, and keeping that until at least 2025.

EPA acting administrator Andrew Wheeler said: “Our proposal aims to strike the right regulatory balance based on the most recent information and create a 50-state solution that will enable more Americans to afford newer, safer vehicles that pollute less.

“More realistic standards can save lives while continuing to improve the environment. We value the public’s input as we engage in this process in an open, transparent manner.”

The new rules are expected to cut the rising cost of new automobiles, which has increased to an average of $35,000 or more and is not economically feasible for many American families.

Both the NHTSA and EPA have urged the public to share their views on an array of regulatory options, including a preferred alternative that secures MY 2020 standards until 2026.

The joint proposal starts a process to establish a new 50-state fuel economy and tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions standard for passenger cars and light trucks covering MY 2021-26.

Feedback can be submitted within a period of 60 days.