Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon environmental groups say that the new federal fuel standards have West Coast leadership to thank. And while the groups say the new standards will help fight global warming long-term, the new rules mean less ambitious goals in Oregon, for a while.

Short-term, Oregon, California, and a dozen other states will have tougher standards than the federal ones.

By 2016, new cars in all 50 states would have to average 35 miles per gallon. But between 2012 and 2016, states like Oregon and California will have to comply with new federal rules that are weaker than theirs.

Oregon’s air quality administrator, Andy Ginsburg, says that could be a good thing – if other states are getting tougher. “Having a slightly lower reduction from new vehicles in Oregon for four years, in exchange for all 50 states getting the same reductions that Oregon will be getting is a net-benefit for the planet," he said.

Some environmental advocates say the fuel standards could be toughened without hurting consumers.

But some Republicans senators are trying to limit the Environmental Protection Agency’s authority to regulate greenhouse gases.

Source: Oregon DEQ