NRDC Supports 60 mpg Fuel Efficiency Standard by 2025

Cleaner Cars Would Reduce Pollution, Create Jobs and Save Consumers Money

WASHINGTON (September 2, 2010) -- The Consumer Federation of America released a report today recommending the Obama administration establish a 60 miles-per-gallon fuel efficiency standard for cars by 2025.

Last May, President Obama directed the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation to develop two critical joint proposals for pollution and fuel efficiency standards by the end of September.  NRDC supports the federation’s recommendation of at least a 60 mpg standard.

The following is a statement from NRDC's Transportation Director Roland Hwang:

“CFA’s analysis clearly shows that raising fuel efficiency standards to 60 miles per gallon is good for consumers’ pocketbooks. Making cars and trucks go farther on a gallon is the cleanest, cheapest and fastest way to meet our energy needs and will help break the country’s addiction to oil.

Without stronger standards, American automakers could fall behind in the global race for the clean car market, putting even more manufacturing jobs at risk. Achieving 60 mpg by 2025 can be done using and improving technologies that already exist, such as hybrid electric cars and electric vehicles. We have learned from cell phones, microwaves, and computers that higher volumes can lead to dramatic improvement in innovation and driving down costs. Raising standards to 60 mpg is good for consumers, good for the environment and good for jobs.”