As Memorial Day Gas Prices Hit Post-2000 High, Go60MPG Launches Ad, Web Push for Improved Auto Efficiency, Reduced Pollution

With New Web Site and "Mad Men" Style Ads, Go60MPG Highlights Research Showing Strong Fuel Efficiency Standards Would Save Money For Americans at the Gas Pump, Cut Carbon Pollution and Reduce Dependence on Oil

WASHINGTON, May 23, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- As Memorial Day gas prices stand at a 10-year record-high level, Go60MPG today  is launching a major print and online advertising campaign encouraging Americans to deliver the message to the White House that the best way to offer relief at the gas pump is to deliver fuel-efficient vehicles that get 60 miles per gallon by 2025. (See chart below.)

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110523/DC07277 )

Strong pollution and fuel efficiency standards will save gas-price weary Americans an extra $370 billion by 2030 compared to the weakest proposal.  These standards will also cut America's oil dependence by at least 44 billion gallons of fuel and eliminate at least 465 million metric tons of heat-trapping carbon pollution in 2030. 

Gas prices in May so far are higher than in the past ten years, averaging $3.96 per gallon.  For an online version of the Memorial Day Gas Prices chart below seen below, go to http://216.250.243.12/Memorial_Day_chart.html.

Tweaking the style of car advertising from the 1950s and 1960s, the new Go60MPG.org ads will start running in print and online this week in Politico and at http://www.Politico.com. The ads can be seen online at http://216.250.243.12/Go60MPGad.pdf. The message:  Americans have high standards.  Our cars should, too.

The full text of the Go60MPG ads reads as follows: "Americans have high standards. Our cars should, too. This fall, President Obama can help America reclaim its proud automotive heritage by raising fuel efficiency and auto pollution standards to 60 miles-per-gallon by 2025. Strong  standards will save us billions at the gas pump, clean up our air, and put Americans back  to work building a new generation of vehicles that create prosperity, not oil dependence.  So let's restore our great automotive tradition of innovation and excellence. American technology and know-how can make any new car, truck, or SUV cleaner and more  fuel-efficient. All we have to do is hit the accelerator. If you believe in high standards, join us at Go60MPG.org."

In conjunction with the ad campaign, Go60MPG is also launching a newly redesigned website at http://www.Go60MPG.org.

In a recent poll conducted by USA Today and Gallup (http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2011-05-16-rising-gas-prices_n.htm), 67 percent of Americans said the high cost of fuel is causing financial hardship for their families.  

Another recent poll released by the Consumer Federation of America (http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2011-05-16-rising-gas-prices_n.htm) shows that there is widespread bipartisan support for a new standard that would get us to 60 miles per gallon by 2025.  62 percent of Americans support a 60 MPG by 2025 standard, with 62 percent of Republicans, 71 percent of Democrats and 56 percent of Independent in support.  Nearly nine out of 10 Americans (85 percent) are concerned about gas prices, 87 percent think it is important to reduce oil consumption, and 75 percent believe it is important to increase fuel economy standards, according to the CFA poll.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which are working with the California Air Resources Board, have been directed by President Obama to establish joint fuel efficiency and pollution standards for new cars and trucks. Specifically, the agencies will establish new Corporate Average Fuel Economy and global warming pollution standards, respectively, for light-duty vehicles—a category that includes cars, SUVs, minivans, and most pickup trucks—for model years 2017 to 2025.

Go60MPG is a joint effort of Environment America, the National Wildlife Federation, Natural Resources Defense Council, the Safe Climate Campaign, the Sierra Club, and the Union of Concerned Scientists.  American ingenuity and technology can make all-new cars and trucks cleaner and more fuel-efficient. It's one of the biggest steps America can take towards saving money at the gas pump, cleaning up our air, and ending America's oil dependence. That's why Go60MPG is rallying public support to raise fuel efficiency standards for new cars to at least 60 miles per gallon and no more than 143 grams per mile of carbon pollution by 2025. Go60MPG also wants to see improvements in America's big rigs and other work trucks.

SOURCE Go60MPG, Washington, D.C.