SAFE: Fuel Economy Standards Improve Energy Security Through Reduced Oil Dependence

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Robbie Diamond, President and CEO of Securing America's Future Energy (SAFE), today applauded the publication of proposed rules that will increase fuel economy standards to approximately 54.5 miles per gallon (mph) on an average industry fleet wide basis (i.e., all passenger cars, light-duty trucks, and medium duty passenger vehicles) by 2025.

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"Improving fuel efficiency standards is an essential component to address the threats posed by the nation's oil dependence," said Diamond. "The administration should be commended for publishing the proposed rule so they can progress through the rulemaking process as quickly as possible."

"As the proposed standards are debated between now and the expected publication of a final rule next summer, it is critical to recognize that cars and trucks, which use the majority of our oil to power our economy, are almost completely dependent on oil," continued Diamond. "Improving fuel efficiency standards will have a direct and immediate impact on our energy security. These improvements in efficiency will strengthen our economy and our national security by reducing substantially our oil consumption and its attendant risks."

Earlier this year, SAFE released original analysis estimating the oil savings that would result from tightening fuel economy standards from 2017 – 2025. Based on today's announcement that standards will increase 5 percent for cars and 3.5 percent for light trucks through 2021, with a 5 percent increase for both after 2021, SAFE's analysis estimates that between 2.5 and 3.8 million barrels of oil will be saved per day by 2040. In addition to fuel economy improvements, SAFE also advocates for a comprehensive energy security strategy which includes expanded domestic production, and in over the longer term, advancing alternative transportation technology, the most promising of which is electric vehicles.

To view the SAFE's complete analysis on oil savings from fuel economy standards, go to www.secureenergy.org/policy/oil-savings-proposed-fuel-economy-standards.

SOURCE Securing America's Future Energy