EPA plans to revamp mileage testing

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, will soon propose significant changes to the way it estimates automobile fuel economy ratings, which are basically the "miles per gallon" stickers on the new cars and trucks being sold to consumers. The agency has been blamed for faulty test methods, which are based on ancient driving habits, that overestimate the miles per gallon drivers expect. There is alot of controversy over the EPA's testing, especially now due to the recent surge in gasoline prices, because drivers are paying more attention to their fuel consumption. Many consumers are finding that their car's fuel economy rating is much lower than they were told, so this problem must be corrected by the EPA. The EPA will now run tests depending on: the high-speed, aggressive driving of today's consumer, traffic, cold climates, and air conditioners.

Relating to history, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency was created in July of 1970 by both Congress and the White House. It was created in order to answer to the public demand for cleaner water, air, and land in the U.S. The EPA had the task of repairing the damage already done to the natural environment over time. Also, the Agency had to establish new rules and regulations to help guide Americans in making a cleaner environment a reality.

http://www.boston.com/cars/articles/2005/09/18/epa_plans_to_revamp_mileage_testing/