NRDC: Fuel Economy Standards Save Drivers at the Pump

WASHINGTON – The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration proposed new fuel economy standards for cars and light trucks that will save drivers money at the pump and cut our nation’s dependence on oil.

Since established by Congress in 1975 fuel economy standards have saved more than two trillion gallons of gasoline, enough to run every car and light truck in the U.S. for more than 15 years. These new NHTSA fuel economy standards will work in tandem with EPA’s tailpipe emission rules, which were proposed earlier this year.

The following is a comment from Pete Huffman, a senior attorney for clean vehicles at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council):

“These new fuel economy standards will ensure that drivers of gasoline vehicles can go further on a tank of gas, saving them money at the pump.

“While electric vehicle sales are accelerating quickly, millions more gasoline-powered vehicles will be sold in the coming decade. These gasoline vehicles should be as efficient as possible. 

“These standards are especially important for low-income drivers who spend a greater share of their paychecks on gas. And better fuel-economy helps our nation curb its reliance on dirty fossil fuels. They are a winner all around.”

NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) is an international nonprofit environmental organization with more than 3 million members and online activists. Established in 1970, NRDC uses science, policy, law, and people power to confront the climate crisis, protect public health, and safeguard nature. NRDC has offices in New York City, Washington, D.C., Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Bozeman, MT, Beijing and Delhi (an office of NRDC India Pvt. Ltd). Visit us at www.nrdc.org and follow us on Twitter @NRDC.