A proposed U.S. rule which would require automakers to double their vehicles average fuel economy to 54.5 mpg by 2025 may cost consumers $157 billion in additional vehicle costs but could cost the boating industry much more by killing the ability for Americans to pull their boats.

The proposed rule requires annual fuel economy increases of 5 percent for cars. Light trucks, including pickups and SUVs, must meet a 3.5-percent increase in average mpg for the first five years before rising to 5 percent.

“MRAA has long opposed increases to auto industry CAFÉ standards and will vigorously oppose this latest attempt,” says Matt Gruhn, MRAA President. “Besides being concerned what the new CAFÉ standards would do to recreational boating, we believe the rule was rushed and may jeopardize safety by reducing the weight and size of vehicles on the road.”

To reach a federal mandated doubling of the CAFÉ standard, automakers will work to downsize weight, horsepower, and torque of vehicle, potentially greatly inhibiting ability to tow recreational boats. There is expected to be increased emphasis on promoting all-electric vehicles and hybrids.