Feds: Car vs. truck emissions

A discrepancy: Emissions and fuel use between cars and light trucks is held in question.

Last week a federal court voided new regulations for 2008-2011 model year vehicles and told the Transportation Department to produce new rules taking into account the value of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The ruling, which is likely to be appealed to the Supreme Court, represents a major setback for both the auto industry and the White House at a time of growing public concern over the rising price of gasoline and the issue of climate change.

Under the rule rejected today (11/15), the average fuel economy of light trucks was to rise to 23.5 miles per gallon in 2010, up from the current standard of 22.5 miles per gallon, but still well below the standard for passenger cars of 27.5 miles per gallon. nyt.com

By nature, larger displacement engines and heavier bodies of light trucks will use more fuel and create more carbon dioxide than cars. What goes in, must come out.