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The new fuel standards are a win for us all
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The Obama administration has announced new standards for cars and light trucks that will give environmental advocates, consumers, automakers and job-seekers a reason to celebrate. The new standards will double the fuel economy of our cars, which will reduce total U.S. greenhouse gas pollution by nearly 10 percent, save consumers $8,000 over the lifetime of a car (which means more money in consumers' pockets from the day they buy a car), create 570,000 new jobs across America and save 3.1 million barrels of oil by 2030.
The new standards mean you can fill up your tank half the number of times you normally do because you'll be using half the amount of gas it usually takes to get to work or school.
The new rules bring together an unlikely coalition, including environmental organizations, the United Auto Workers and the Detroit Three automakers. We all support these new standards because we know they are good for the American economy and American consumers. Automakers have embraced these new standards because they understand that technological innovation is the key to selling cars that people want and keeping our auto industry competitive.
I thank the Obama administration for delivering strong fuel efficiency and greenhouse gas standards that Americans support. It feels great to share this good news about standards that turn climate disruption around, create jobs and put money in Americans' pockets. A win for the economy, public health and the planet is something to celebrate.
ROBIN MANN
Bryn Mawr, Pa.
The writer is immediate past president of the Sierra Club.
First Published September 6, 2012 12:00 am
