"Cheap Gas Spurs SUV Sales And Puts U.S. Climate Goals at Risk"

"Surging demand for trucks and SUVs fueled by cheap gasoline is holding back improvements in U.S. fuel economy and greenhouse gas emissions, a government report due out on Wednesday is expected to show.

The disconnect between consumer demand for larger, less efficient vehicles and the Obama administration’s climate goals sets up a clash between the auto industry and federal regulators.

Mark Rosekind, who heads the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, said in a Reuters interview last week the administration will consider automakers' arguments that the shift away from cars makes it harder to hit the 2025 fleet average fuel economy target of 54.5 miles (87.7 km) per gallon."

David Shepardson and Paul Lienert report for Reuters December 16, 2015.

SEE ALSO:

"Low Natural Gas Prices Squeeze Industry and Fell a C.E.O." (New York Times)

"Cheap Gas Is a Thrill, but a Costly One" (New York Times)

"Falling Oil And Coal Prices Raise the Bar for Renewables" (Climate Spectator)

"BHP Sees Coal Price Getting Worse Before It Gets Better" (Financial Review)

"Between Cheap Gas And Carbon Caps, Oil Sands Face Uncertain Fate" (NPR)

"India Says Paris Climate Deal Won't Affect Plans To Double Coal Output" (Reuters)