EMBARGOED UNTIL 10:15 AM ET, July 29, 2011
Contact: Maggie Kao, 202-675-2384President Takes Important Step in Moving America Beyond Oil
Obama Administration Announces Proposed Fuel Efficiency Standard of 54.5 MPG
Washington, D.C. — Today the White House announced a proposed fuel efficiency standard for passenger cars and trucks of 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025. The measure would build on a historic step taken last year to raise vehicle efficiency to 35.5 MPG in 2016 and begin reducing tailpipe pollution levels. The newly announced standard would reduce emissions to 163 grams per mile by 2025.The highly anticipated proposal would result in savings at the pump for American families, reduce life-threatening carbon pollution by and provide Americans with better and more fuel efficient car choices moving forward.In response, Michael Brune, Sierra Club Executive Director, released the following statement:
“After decades of inaction and stagnation, today President Obama has ensured 15 years of continuous progress to help cut our dangerous addiction to oil, create American jobs, save families money at the pump, curb life-threatening pollution and tackle climate disruption. Today's announcement is a win for everyone.
“But fuel efficiency and pollution standards for passenger cars and trucks are just one - albeit critical - piece of the equation for solving our addiction to oil.
“To put it into perspective, today's announcement will cut our use of oil by 6 percent in 2030 when measured against our current levels of oil consumption. If we are to fully address the challenges we face as a nation addicted to oil, we must put American innovation and technology to use to deliver the best cars and trucks for consumers, ensure smart transportation choices for all Americans and build livable towns and cities.
“As the administration moves forward to finalize the standard, it is critical that they avoid weakening loopholes and giveaways for the industry, and we look forward to working with them to ensure the strongest 2025 fuel efficiency and pollution standards possible to benefit American families and workers.”
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