The technology exists today to increase the fuel economy of America’s cars and trucks. Investing in new fuel-saving technology spurs economic activity—creating new jobs, saving consumers money, and insulating the U.S. economy from rising oil prices. Analysis by the Union of Concerned Scientists shows that raising fleetwide fuel economy standards to an average of 35 miles per gallon by 2020 creates jobs and consumer savings across the country. This analysis shows that fuel economy provisions in the House energy legislation (H.R. 6) will create nearly 150,000 jobs in the year 2020 and will save consumers nearly $22 billion even after paying for the needed technology (assuming gas at $2.55 per gallon – in 2005 dollars).

Projected Consumer Savings and Jobs Created from Raising Fuel Economy Standards to 35 mpg by 2020 – 2006 Average Gasoline Price