E.P.A. Report: Automakers Surpassing Light-Duty Greenhouse Gas Requirements

March 26, 2015

WASHINGTON - For the 2nd consecutive model year, the automotive industry outperformed the national greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions requirements by a wide margin. Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was twelve grams/mile - or 1.4 miles per gallon - better than required by the 2013 standard.

These were among the top findings released today in the E.P.A.'s (EPA's) 2nd yearly "Greenhouse Gas Emissions Requirements for Light Duty Vehicles: Manufacturer's Performance Report." The report presents detailed information about how individual firms are complying with GHG emissions Requirements for cars and light trucks.

"These findings are a terrific early success story for President Obama's historic effort to reduce the pollution that contributes to climate change," said E.P.A. Administrator Gina McCarthy. "Automakers are racing to meet our goals. The American auto industry has never been stronger, we're creating jobs here in the U.S., selling cleaner cars here and overseas, and consumers are really benefiting from the innovations spurred by these standards."

The report found:
• Overall industry compliance in model year 2013 was twelve grams/mile better than required by the 2013 standard. This marks the 2nd consecutive model year of industry outperforming the Requirements by a wide margin.

• The majority of manufacturers (representing in excess of 99% of sales) met both the 2012 and 2013 standards. The remaining manufacturers have several more years to come into compliance.

• Automakers are using the optional flexibilities built into the Requirements such as improved air conditioning systems and the use of fleet averaging. These flexibilities continue to increase consumer choice, spur technology innovation and decrease compliance costs all while providing manufacturers with options on how and when to make reductions.

According to EPA's most recent CO2 Emissions and Fuel Economy Trends Report, model year 2013 vehicles achieved an all-time record average of 24.1 miles per gallon (mpg) - a 0.5 mpg increase over the previous year and an increase of nearly five mpg since 2004. Average carbon dioxide emissions from cars and light trucks are also at a record low. Fuel economy has increased in 8 of the last 9 years. There are in excess of 3 times as many 30 mpg vehicles than just 5 years ago, and fuel economy for SUVs has been increasing faster than for any other vehicle types

EPA's GHG emissions Requirements cover light-duty vehicles from model year 2012 to 2025. The Requirements are projected to save twelve billion barrels of oil, and cut six billion metric tons of greenhouse gases over the lifetimes of vehicles sold in these years. The Requirements are also projected to save consumers who purchase a new MY 2025 vehicle in excess of $8,000 in fuel costs over that vehicle's lifetime.

More information on the Manufacturers' Performance Report: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/ghg-report.htm

More information on Light Duty Vehicle Standards: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/climate/regs-light-duty.htm

More information on greenhouse gases and Fuel Economy Trends: http://epa.gov/otaq/fetrends.htm

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