Valley Metro

Valley Metro light rail.

Photo Courtesy of the EPA

EPA Head Administrator Gina McCarthy

Gas prices continue to fall around the state, with some stations below $1.90. However, don’t expect fuel efficiency standards to fall as well.

While gas prices are falling, drivers can expect car manufacturers to continue improving fuel efficiency with pressure from both the government and consumers.

“The number one characteristic that people look at in their automobiles now is efficiency," said Gina McCarthy, Head Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

She said no matter gas prices, the EPA will continue to increase and enforce fuel efficiency standards as part of the President’s Climate Action Plan.

“No matter what the changing dynamic is with gasoline prices, fleets need to be highly efficient moving forward," McCarthy said. "And the regulations underpin that, they do not allow it, to back up, as a fluctuation of gasoline prices. So that’s a good thing.”

McCarthy said falling gas prices have also raised concern in western cities who’ve invested in public transportation, such as Phoenix’s light rail and California’s announced high speed rail. She said the EPA will continue supporting public transportation projects regardless of gas prices.