WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama wants US drivers to get better fuel efficiency and cause less damage to the environment - and be willing to pick up the tab.

Obama on Tuesday announced the first-ever national emissions limits for cars and trucks, as well as a 15 km per liter standard. Consumers should expect to pay an extra $1,300 per vehicle by the time the plan is complete in 2016.

In appearances on morning network news shows yesterday, Carol Browner, the White House energy and climate director, called the new initiative a "truly historic" occasion, saying that such tougher environmental standards have been "long overdue".