Thousands of Climate Reality Supporters to EPA – Increase Fuel Efficiency

Washington, DC (9/27/16)—On September 26, 8,813 supporters of The Climate Reality Project submitted comments seeking stronger vehicle fuel economy standards to the US Environmental Protection Agency. The effort constitutes a key part of Climate Reality’s ongoing work to ensure the US fulfills and surpasses its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of the Paris Agreement.

“Americans want cleaner cars that save them money at the pump,” said Ken Berlin, President and CEO of The Climate Reality Project. “We are proud of the thousands of Climate Reality supporters who are speaking up to tell the EPA to raise the bar and reduce vehicle climate pollution.”

Climate Reality’s submission comes on the final day of the EPA’s comment period on the Technical Assessment Report, which, beginning in 2022, addresses the next generation of fuel economy standards for cars. Right now, the standards require the average fleet fuel economy to reach 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. 

These new standards will prevent emission of about 6 million tons of greenhouse gases, reduce the US’s dependence on oil by more than 2 million barrels a day, and save $1.7 trillion in fuel costs by 2025. They will also mark an important step forward in reducing emissions driving climate change, further illustrating the United States’ commitment to leadership in solving this crisis.

A 2016 survey by the Consumer Reports National Research Center found that over half of Americans expect their next car to be even more efficient. The same survey found that 84 percent of Americans believe car makers should keep improving vehicle efficiency and 70 percent believe the government should continue raising the bar with higher fuel economy standards. 

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Contact:
Jillian Adams
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