Why were CAFE standards originally established?

CAFE standards, which stand for Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, were originally established to enhance fuel efficiency in response to environmental concerns. By setting mandatory fuel economy standards for automakers, the program aimed to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and lower greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles. The intent was to encourage the production of vehicles that consume less fuel, which in turn helps to mitigate air pollution and combat climate change.

The focus on improving fuel efficiency reflects a broader regulatory effort to address the negative impacts of vehicle emissions on the environment. The standards push manufacturers to innovate and adopt technologies that lead to more energy-efficient vehicles, thus supporting sustainability goals. This aligns with governmental efforts to protect public health and the environment, which is central to the objectives of CAFE standards.

Other options, while they relate to the automotive industry, do not capture the primary motivation behind CAFE standards as effectively. For instance, lowering production costs or regulatory prices of fossil fuels were not the main aims. Vehicle sales were a consequence of the standards but not the purpose for which they were established. Therefore, option A is the most accurate representation of the reason behind the implementation of CAFE standards.