President announces deal to boost fuel economy

WASHINGTON (AP) — Ushering in the largest decrease in auto fuel consumption since the 1970s, President Barack Obama and automobile manufacturers Friday announced a deal that will save drivers money at the pump and dramatically cut heat-trapping gases coming from tailpipes.

The agreement pledges to double overall fuel economy to 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025, bringing major under-the-hood changes for the nation's automobiles starting in model year 2017. Cars and trucks on the road today average 27 miles per gallon.

"This agreement on fuel standards represents the single most important step we have taken as a nation to reduce our dependence on foreign oil," Obama said, sharing the stage with top executives of the major auto makers.... [more]

marketplace listener comment

Michael DeSiano of Brooklyn, N.Y. -- in what will probably be this week's most commented-upon listener comment -- thinks giving cyclists the run of the road is a terrible idea:

The very serious issues left unmentioned pertain to lack of enforceable rules for cyclists, lack of insurance for bicycles that involve accidents with pedestrians and cars and lack of licenses for cyclists who choose to be oblivious to rules of the road and courtesy.

original story:

New Yorkers debate over increasing number of bike lanes