Feds, California To Propose New Fuel Rules

WASHINGTON (AP) — The federal government and California say they will coordinate on new proposals to increase vehicle fuel efficiency for future cars and trucks by Sept. 1.

The Transportation Department and the Environmental Protection Agency are working on new standards for vehicles that will be built during the 2017-2025 model years. Prior to Monday's announcement, the California Air Resources Board had planned to issue its own proposal for the same time period by March.

California has pushed for more stringent air pollution rules than required by the federal government but agreed last year to comply with federal rules up to the 2016 model year.

Officials say the single timeframe will lead to more cooperation between the federal government and California on the standards.

(© Copyright 2010 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)