Number: RL33413
Title: Automobile and Light Truck Fuel Economy: The CAFE Standards
Authors: Brent D. Yacobucci and Robert Bamberger, Resources, Science, and Industry Division 
Abstract: A November 15, 2007, decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit overturned a final rule issued by NHTSA for MY2008-MY2011 for light trucks. The Court ruled that NHTSA had not conducted a sufficiently rigorous analysis to measure whether the standards would have a beneficial effect in improving environmental quality through reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. The analysis accompanying the NOPR for MY2011-MY2015 appears intended to address the deficiencies identified by the Court in the earlier rulemaking. Whether, if challenged, the Court would find it sufficient, is uncertain. At this point, there would be no reason for NHTSA to resubmit its light truck rule for MY2008- MY2011.
Pages: 15
Date: Updated May 7, 2008