Obama to Target Cars in Greenhouse-Gas Proposal at U.N. Climate Change Summit

Obama to Target Cars in Greenhouse-Gas Proposal at U.N. Climate Change Summit

By Scott Doggett November 26, 2009

Here's something else to be thankful for today: A big part of the greenhouse-gas emissions reductions President Obama will propose when he attends the U.N. Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen next month will be through sharp increases in vehicle fuel efficiency.

Carol Browner, the White House climate czar, said this week that the president will propose reducing emissions by 17 percent over 2005 levels by 2020.

"We have proposed the first-ever greenhouse gas and the toughest fuel economy standards for new cars and trucks. Congress said get to 35 miles per gallon in 2020; we have proposed 35.5 miles per gallon in 2016," Browner said.

The administration has proposed raising fuel-efficiency requirements 40 percent - to 35.5 miles per gallon - by 2016 for all new cars and light trucks sold in the U.S. combined. It plans to adopt final rules in April.

"We have promulgated rules to promote the development of offshore wind and energy. And the Department of Energy has set aggressive new energy appliance standards and continues to move forward on setting more standards."

The administration awarded $2.4 billion in grants for advanced batteries and electric vehicle research in August and is loaning automakers billions to retool factories to build more fuel-efficient vehicles.

The administration's proposal also establishes federal tailpipe emission limits for the first time.

Automakers also stand to benefit if Congress passes "cap and trade" legislation to reduce emissions similar to what Obama is proposing. Congress would collect funds for the right to emit pollution and distribute some to consumers and businesses impacted by the regulations. Automakers could get billions more in research funding.

Critics say unless other countries follow suit, especially India and China, emissions limits in the U.S. will do little to reduce climate change. They argue it will sharply raise electricity prices, kill jobs and prod employers to shift production to countries that don't have the strict emissions limits.

That's exactly why Obama will be traveling to Copenhagen himself - by his very presence to convey the importance that he gives the matter and, hopefully, contribute to an agreement that all signing countries will abide by.

While it is true the president will only spend a day at the conference - and at its outset rather than at its end - it's our hope and surely his that he will set the tone for the summit.

Appearing later - when it wouldn't influence the negotiations one way or another - might only lead to a repeat of October's Olympics debacle, when Obama showed up in the very same city to much fanfare but his presence did nothing to change the outcome.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.