New gas mileage requirements help you save at the pump
The Obama administration is mandating tough new gas mileage standards on vehicles for model years 2012 – 2016 – much tougher than ever before. So how do the new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFÉ) requirements help us as a nation? Here are 5 reasons to love ‘em:
- More money in your pocket.
Beginning with 2012 model year automobiles, automakers must improve fuel economy by about 5% per year, each year through 2016. That means you’ll get more mileage out of every tank of gas and more for your money. - Fewer trips to the gas station.
Since you’ll be able to go farther on a tank of gasoline, you won’t have to find time to stop at the gas station as often. That translates to time for a coffee run. - Cleaner environment.
According to the EPA and the Transportation Department, the new standards would reduce CO2 emissions by about 960 million metric tons over the lifetime of the regulated vehicles. That’s like taking 177 million cars and light trucks off the road in 2030. - Less dependence on foreign oil.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that the new requirements will save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, that’s twice the amount of oil imported from the Persian Gulf in 2008. President Obama adds that it’s the equivalent of taking 58 million cars off the road for a whole year. - Better technology, more choice.
In order to meet these new requirements, automakers will need to improve upon or develop new technology. And since all automakers face the same guidelines, consumers will benefit by having more options when it comes to purchasing a new fuel-efficient vehicle.
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Better fuel mileage and less emissions…it’s about time this was taken seriously!