Congress enacted the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) program in 1974 to reduce reliance on foreign oil imports and conserve existing oil reserves for the future in response to the 1973-1974 oil embargo and the ensuing "energy crisis". The program also aimed to protect air quality through reduced emissions and reduce expenditures for fuel. In 1978, the standard for passenger cars was 18.0 mpg. By 1990, passenger cars were required to average 27.5 mpg, a standard still in effect in 2003.
Much debate has surrounded this program. Overall fuel consumption has risen since its enactment and we are still dependent on foreign oil. Fuel efficiency standards have risen and fallen. Automobile safety has been debated as the average size of cars has decreased in efforts to increase fuel efficiency. Other pieces of legislation such as the Clean Air Act have had more impact on pollution reduction than has increased fuel efficiency standards. Congress has adjusted the CAFE program numerous times in attempting to meet the goals of lessening dependence on foreign oil and improving air quality; however, neither goal has been fully realized through its policies. Various interests agree upon the policy, but for different reasons.
http://www.davidbarber.org/research/cafe.html
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