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A "cause for alarm" on global fuel economy

Ben Geman, author of Generate

Freeways in Los Angeles. Photo: Ken Ross/VW PICS/UIG via Getty Images

The Global Fuel Economy Initiative (GFEI) report released via the International Energy Agency this week warned that the average fuel economy improvement rate for advanced countries slowed to only 0.2% per year between 2015 and 2017 — and "more than 20 countries experiencing a reversal in the evolution of their fuel economy."

Why it matters: It's nowhere near the GFEI target of 3.7% annual improvements in order to help control CO2 emissions.

The big picture: Worldwide, the average fuel economy improvement rate slowed to 1.4% per year between 2015 and 2017, although the gains in emerging economies were higher. IEA chief Fatih Birol, in a statement alongside the report, called the overall slowdown "cause for alarm."

  • "Improving vehicle fuel efficiency saves money, cuts carbon emissions while also reducing harmful air pollution and boosting energy security," he said.
  • There are several forces driving the trends, including the increase in consumers' appetite for SUVs and pickups.

Go deeper: IEA has a cool interactive tool to track vehicle sales, efficiency and other data across 18 major auto markets including that in the U.S.

Go deeper

Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
7 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Kellyanne Conway's parting power pointers

Kellyanne Conway addresses the 2020 Republican National Convention. Photo: Nicholas Kamm/AFP via Getty Images

Kellyanne Conway has seen power exercised as a pollster, campaign manager and senior counselor to President Trump. Now that his term in office has concluded, she shared her thoughts with Axios.

Why it matters: If there's a currency in this town, it's power, so we've asked several former Washington power brokers to share their best advice as a new administration and new Congress settle in.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Alayna Treene, author of Sneak Peek
8 hours ago - Politics & Policy

GOP holdouts press on with plans to crush Cheney

Screenshot of emails to a member of Congress from individuals who signed an Americans for Limited Government petition against Rep. Liz Cheney. Photo obtained by Axios

Pro-Trump holdouts in the House are forging ahead with an uphill campaign to oust Rep. Liz Cheney as head of the chamber's Republican caucus even though Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy told them to back down.

Why it matters: What happens next will be a test of McCarthy's party control and the sincerity of his opposition to the movement. Cheney (R-Wyo.) is seen as a potential leadership rival to the California Republican.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow
Lachlan Markay
8 hours ago - Politics & Policy

Democrats aim to punish House GOP for Capitol riot

Speaker Nancy Pelosi passes through a newly installed metal detector at the House floor entrance Thursday. Photo: Drew Angerer/Getty Images

House Democrats plan to take advantage of corporate efforts to cut funding for Republicans who opposed certifying the 2020 election results, with a plan to target vulnerable members in the pivotal 2022 midterms for their role in the Jan. 6 violence.

Why it matters: It's unclear whether the Democrats' strategy will manifest itself in ads or earned media in the targeted races or just be a stunt to raise money for themselves. But the Capitol violence will be central to the party's messaging as it seeks to maintain its narrow majorities in Congress.

Go deeper (1 min. read)Arrow