Bush attempts to take states’ rights

In a surprise move, the Bush Administration is placing restrictions on fuel economy. My only question is … what could possibly be their motivation?

The plan calls for fuel economy for cars and light trucks to increase by 4.5% per year throughout 2015. That would bring the average fuel economy for cars to 35.7 mpg, trucks to 28.6. [Time]

Sounds like an excellent policy .. until you realize that snuck into things is wording that would annihilate state rights to set their own emissions standards. Bold move, old chap. Unfortunately for automakers, two federal courts have already guaranteed this right. We’re not going to let you get in one last sucker punch before leaving office.

This plan would also grant automakers credits they could use whenever going above and beyond CAFE standards on one model they could use to continue making gas guzzlers while the states’ plans would force car makers to focus on fast, attractive And eco-friendly models.

Automakers “begrudgingly” gave it the green light, but thankfully the states have vowed to put up a fight. [Bizjournals]