The proposed plan comes as the first change in three decades. Critics call it inadequate, saying it does little to address the country’s rising oil consumption, as gas prices hit a record nationwide average of $2.61 a gallon this week.

Meanwhile big SUVs and light trucks account for half the vehicles on the road today. The biggest like the Hummer H2 are still exempt under the new rules. And the companies expected to benefit the most are struggling American automakers, GM and Ford, largely dependent on the success of the SUV and whose debt was just downgraded to junk bond status.

Hear about the controversial new auto emission standards, and what they mean for the environment and American auto industry.

Source: On Point Radio