"Obama EPA Seeks To Preempt Trump On Fuel-Economy Standard"

"The EPA aims for US car fleets to average 54.5 miles per gallon in 2025 – and seeks to keep Republicans from changing the policy in 2017."

"WASHINGTON — The Environmental Protection Agency proposed keeping fuel efficiency targets for light-duty vehicles Wednesday in an attempt to preserve one of President Obama’s most aggressive climate change policies.

The decision comes ahead of schedule as part of a mid-term review of a goal to require car manufacturers’ fleets to average 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The agency now has 30 days to review public comments.

Announcing the plan early – a preliminary determination was scheduled for 2017 and a final for 2018 – boosts the chances of finalizing the standard by the time Republican President-elect Donald Trump is sworn into office. Mr. Trump’s team has vowed to review the policy."

Zack Colman reports for the Christian Science Monitor November 30, 2016.