Efficiency standards for vehicles are not controversial in most developed, and an increasing number of developing, countries.
In the US, however, raising efficiency standards has been difficult. President George W Bush’s administration had little interest in the issue, and vehicle manufacturers lobbied against higher standards for years. They were worried that such a move would put them at a disadvantage compared with foreign manufacturers, which tended to make more efficient cars.
The US automotive industry has in fact entered into extensive litigation in many states, such as California which has proposed stringent improvements to efficiency. They have challenged in courts across the US the right of states to put in place “clean cars” programmes. And they have spent many more millions in lobbying against higher standards in Washington.
The car makers, requiring a huge injection of public cash to stay alive, are suddenly compliant. The US automotive industry welcomed President Obama’s proposals on emissions standards with open arms. There was no talk of competitive disadvantage, no threat of attempts to challenge the rules – instead a humble promise to meet the new standards.
