Car manufacturers in the US would have to improve the fuel efficiency of their new models if a new bill proposed in the House of Representatives this week were to become law.

Current regulations dictate that fuel efficiency must reach at least 25 miles per gallon (mpg), but if this new bill makes it onto the statute books this would be increased to 33mpg.

Analysts canvassed by the Reuters news agency said that the new legislation would save around 2.6 million barrels of oil per day by 2025.

The measures have been proposed by Republican representative Sherwood Boehlert and Democrat Bart Gordon.

Supporters say the lower emissions resulting from the added fuel efficiency should appeal to motorists, with SUV owners expected to save up to $2,000 in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle.

However, critics have warned that the bipartisan bill would lead to the production of lighter, less safe vehicles.

The US has recently made headway in the battle to control emissions as it signed a voluntary agreement with Canada, which commits it to cross-border emissions projects such as truck engine-idling reduction and awareness programmes.


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