Green Initiative - DOE and EPA Release 2011 Annual Fuel Economy Guide

The 2011 Fuel Economy Guide was released by the Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The guide provides information on fuel costs and estimated mileage for vehicles released in 2011.

 

“Increasing fuel efficiency is important for our environment, our economy and our health - and it helps families save money at the pump,” EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson said. “This guide will help consumers make the right choice for the environment and for their wallets when buying a car.”

 

Earlier, there were no labeling requirements or fuel economy measurements listed for medium-duty passenger vehicles (passenger vans and sport utility vehicles (SUVs)). The 2011 guide includes the same.

 

Consumers can identify a suitable vehicle using the 2011 Fuel Economy Guide, which serves as an aid while choosing fuel efficient vehicles as they come in different sizes, classes, and types. Gasoline and clean diesel vehicles are included. Hybrids are known to be the best performers in fuel economy.

 

Annual fuel costs are estimated for each vehicle, calculated on the miles per gallon measure and fuel prices. Customers can go online and access personalized fuel cost estimates based on driving habits and local gasoline prices.

 

In October, the U.S announced the raise of ethanol content in gasoline for newer vehicles (cars and light trucks built since 2007) up to 15 percent ethanol, up from a previous limit of 10 percent (E10 standard). This led to an uproar in the industry. The decision on the use of E15EPA said it would make a decision on the use of E15 standard in vehicles in model years 2001-2006 in November after DoE testing is complete. E10 has been the standard for all conventional cars and light trucks, and non-road vehicles since 1979.

 

Earlier in the year, DOE and EPA made an announcement regarding changes to the ENERGY STAR® product certification process. Both organizations initiated testing, verification and enforcement features of the ENERGY STAR® program. The changes intend to label products as ENERGY STAR® only if they meet the program’s requirements.

 

ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping consumers save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices, helping them save money and reduce pollution.

 

Last year, a global consortium of IT professionals in conjunction with DOE and EPA sought to improve energy efficiency of data centers and business computing ecosystems.

 

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