New fuel standards for big vans, SUVs?

White House considering new standard for SUVs and vans weighing between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds to go into effect by 2011, paper reports.

NEW YORK (Reuters) – The Bush Administration is considering imposing fuel economy standards on the biggest vans and sport/utility vehicles, which could go into effect in 2011 and put pressure on struggling domestic auto makers, the Wall Street Journal said Wednesday.

The standards would be the first for the largest SUVs and vans — those weighing between 8,500 and 10,000 pounds — which have been exempt from fuel standards that affect smaller vehicles, the report said.

The Journal cited sources in the auto industry and environmental groups that are monitoring the government’s planning.

But the White House plans to continue to exempt pickup trucks, which constitute the vast majority of vehicles over 8,500 pounds, the Journal said.

Reuters