The average efficiency of new cars and trucks is set to increase from 28.6 mpg to 54.6 mpg. (marioanima)

The new rules, set to increase the average efficiency of new automobiles to 54.5 miles per gallon from 28.6 mpg, were established to reduce fuel consumption and limit greenhouse gas emissions. According to the NY Times, the responsibility will fall to automobile manufacturers who must now press to design more fuel-friendly alternatives. Automakers are more likely to rely on alternative-energy cars and building more efficient engines and with lighter materials.

President Obama said the new standards "represent the single most important step" established by his administration to help reduce U.S. dependence on foreign oil. The new rules are also set to lower the financial burden on American families, saving each an average of $8,000 per lifetime of each vehicle manufactured starting 2025.

The new standards will gradually shift starting in 2017, becoming more strict each year.

Read the full story at the NY Times and the Associated Press.

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