The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) did not need too much time to think about it and already acted on it. Responding to a request from California and 13 other states that want to regulate the greenhouse gas emissions themselves, the EPA set a public hearing on that issue on March 5 and said it will take public comments through April 6.

The EPA set the public hearing after receiving an executive order from President Obama on the issue of green house gas emissions. California and the other states that are involved urged the EPA to let them impose reduction in tailpipe emissions. California, the most ambitious state when it comes to this issue, said it wants to reduce tailpipe emissions by 30 percent by 2016.

The EPA has received similar requests from California under the Bush administration which denied California and the other states a waiver under the Clean Air Act to implement new standards.

The new standards that California wants to implement translate for automakers into increased fuel economy to a fleetwide 35.7 miles per gallon by 2016 and 42.5 mpg by 2020. This increased fuel efficiency would mean new types of tires, new types of engines, new types of paint for the vehicle’s bodywork and many others.

"It is imperative that we get this decision [on California’s request] right, and base it on the best available science and a thorough understanding of the law," EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said.

Meanwhile, the EPA gave drivers tips on how to drive their cars more efficient. If you want to drive your car longer and cheaper, you should start by slowing down to conserve gas and increase gas mileage.

Refraining from aggressive driving will lower your gas mileage by 33% on the highway and by 5% in town. You can also increase mileage by removing heavy items from your car and the use of cruise control can also be very efficient.