Friday Announcement: "Obama Pushing Higher Fuel Efficiency Standards"

"President Barack Obama, seeking a gas-sipping fleet of the future, will order the government to begin working on fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas emissions standards for cars and trucks in the 2017 model year and beyond.

The White House will announce plans to extend a national fuel-efficiency program for cars and trucks developed in the past year while also asking federal agencies, for the first time, to create standards for heavy work trucks beginning with the 2014 model year.

An Obama administration official described the plans on condition of anonymity ahead of a White House announcement on Friday. As part of the plan, Obama also intends to push for the development of more electric-powered and other next-generation cars.

Auto executives, truck manufacturers and environmental leaders are expected to be on hand for the announcement."

Ken Thomas reports for the Associated Press May 20, 2010.