White House considers big boost to fuel economy

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration is telling American automakers that it would like cars and light trucks to average 56.2 miles per gallon by 2025.

Government and industry sources familiar with the discussions say that's the number being floated by administration officials in the early rounds of negotiations on a 2017-2025 fuel economy standard.

The White House wants to boost fuel economy to reduce reliance on oil and cut down on global warming pollution.

In early 2009, it brokered a landmark agreement that required automobiles on average to get 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016 and set the first-ever standards for greenhouse gases from tailpipes.

A formal proposal is due in September. The change would increase the cost of vehicles, but that money would be recouped in fuel savings.