Government proposes 62 MPG Fleet Average Within 15 Years

The federal government is proposing a huge increase in fleet fuel economy for cars and trucks sold in the U.S.

The Obama administration is considering a proposal that calls for fuel economy standards to average anywhere from 47 miles per gallon to 62 mpg by 2025.

Such fuel efficiency would result in a projected annual decrease in carbon dioxide emissions of three to six percent per mile, according to the U.S. Transportation Department and the Environmental Protection Agency.

Regulations adopted earlier this year will boost the vehicle fleet average to 35.5 mpg by 2016, an increase of more than 40 percent over current standards.

The government intends to issue a specific proposal by September, 2011, with a final ruling expected by late summer, 2012.

(Copyright 2010, WWJ Newsradio 950. All Rights Reserved. The Associated Press contributed to this story.)