CAFE standards

The first major change in emission standards since they were set in 1975. It's not enough, but at least it's something.

In sweeping new changes, the White House will order automakers to significantly increase the gas mileage of the cars they make, and significantly reduce the amount of pollution they emit. President Obama also gave authority to the EPA to regulate tailpipe emissions from vehicles - this is completely new.

. . . the new national Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standard will require an average of 35 miles per gallon for cars and light trucks by the year 2016 -- four years ahead of schedule.

For the current model year, 2009, the average fuel efficiency (combined) is 25 mpg.