EPA Reports Better Light-Truck Emissions

A new Environmental Protection Agency showed an improvement in fuel economy and carbon dioxide emissions for new cars and light-duty trucks in 2009.

Average CO2 emissions from new cars and light trucks were 397 grams per mile, and average fuel economy was 22.4 miles per gallon, EPA said in a statement. Those levels compare with average CO2 emissions of 424 grams per mile and fuel economy of 21 mpg in 2008.

The report, released Wednesday, found that emissions and fuel economy have improved each year since 2005, a reversal of a trend from 1987 to 2004. EPA predicts both measures will improve slightly in 2010.