1. Part Five, Issue 12 Motor Vehicles and the Environment

2. Objectives After reading the assigned chapter and reviewing the materials presented the students will be able to understand: What are the environmental impacts of motor vehicles? What are CAFÉ standards?

3. Background The model year 2000 saw the introduction of the introduction of the Honda Insight and the Toyota Prius “hybrid” motor vehicles. Sales of the Prius hybrid have increased every year. By 2000, 18.3 % of households owned 3 or more vehicles. In 2001, the average household vehicle was driven 11,100 miles. In 2004, the average household spent 18.8 % of its income on transportation. Approximately 27 % of the oil consumed by the United States was used in passenger vehicles.

4. Motor Vehicle Emissions Among the pollutants are carbon dioxide (CO 2 ), nitrous oxides (NOx), sulfur oxides (SOx), benzene, soot (from diesel vehicles), and carbon monoxide (CO). Motor vehicles are responsible for 20% of the annual CO 2 emissions which is a major element of climate change. SOx and NOx contribute to acid precipitation.

5. Fuel Economy and CAFÉ Standards The Energy Policy and Conservation Act of 1975 established fuel economy standards. CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards for cars and light trucks in 2000 were 27.5 and 20.7 mpg respectively. If the automobile manufacturers do not meet the standards they pay a fine. The automobile industry and allied organizations oppose higher standards, while public interest groups support raising fuel efficiency standards.

6. Summary Sales of the Prius hybrid motor vehicle have increased every year. In 2004, the average household spent 18.8 % of its income on transportation. Motor vehicles are responsible for 20% of the annual CO 2 emissions which is a major element of climate change. SOx and NOx contribute to acid precipitation. CAFÉ (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards for cars and light trucks in 2000 were 27.5 and 20.7 mpg respectively.

7. Home Work 1. What is the 2004 average household income spent on transportation? 2. Motor vehicles are responsible for how much of the annual CO 2 emissions which is a major element of what climate problem? 3. What does CAFÉ stand for and what was the standard for cars and light trucks in 2000?