U.S. offers renewable fuel standards for vehicles

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The United States announced new standards for renewable fuels for cars and trucks on Tuesday, but stopped short of committing to regulate greenhouse gases that spur global warming.

The renewable fuel standards program aims to cut dependence on foreign oil and curb global warming pollution by expanding the use of ethanol and other alternative fuels, said Stephen Johnson, head of the
Environmental Protection Agency.

“The increased use of renewable fuels … will prevent the release of greenhouse gas emissions equivalent of up to 13 million metric tons,” Johnson said. “That’s equal to the carbon dioxide emissions of nearly 2.3 million automobiles.”

Carbon dioxide, emitted by petroleum-powered vehicles and coal-fired power plants among other sources, is one of the greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.

Reuters