Washington, D.C. — The Environmental Protection Agency this week announced the first change in fuel economy estimates in more than 20 years in response to a mandate in the Energy Policy Act of 2005. Congress instructed the EPA to create new fuel economy measurements after consumers complained that they often get less miles per gallon in their vehicles than is advertised.

Section 774 of EPACT 2005 instructs the EPA to create new fuel economy measurements that more accurately reflect today’s speed limits, city driving conditions and the use of air conditioning and other fuel depleting features. The new fuel economy ratings will go into effect on models that will appear in showrooms in the fall of 2007.

Chairman Domenici’s statement:

“The EPA hasn’t updated fuel economy estimates since 1985. We instructed the EPA to update their fuel economy estimates after hearing from frustrated and disappointed consumers who weren’t getting the mileage from their vehicles that advertisements had led them to expect.

“I consider this provision in the energy bill one of the most potent consumer protections in the bill. It will literally influence how American consumers spend tens of thousands of dollars. Buying a vehicle is one of the most expensive choices a family will make. With gasoline hovering at $2.50 a gallon, fuel economy estimates play a huge role in that choice. I am pleased  that the EPA is moving swiftly to implement this provision in the energy bill.”