Daily Kos: Senate Raises Fuel Standards

Daily Kos: Senate Raises Fuel Standards:

"Feinstein has released a statement on the vote: 'The compromise
legislation raises the fleetwide average fuel economy standards for all cars,
trucks and SUVs by 10 miles per gallon over 10 years — or from 25 to 35 miles
per gallon by Model Year 2020.' By 2025, the fuel economy increases for cars and
light-duty trucks would:
— Save between 2.0 and 2.5 million barrels of oil
per day, nearly the amount of oil imported today from the Persian Gulf.
—
Achieve up to 18 percent reduction of carbon dioxide emissions from anticipated
levels, or the equivalent of taking 60 million cars off the road in one year.
— Save consumers $79-98 billion at the pump, based on a $3.00 gas price.
"

I think this is an important move, auto makers have little incentive to produce more gas efficient cars. Price isn't always a good factor, because there will always be people who just buy the cheapest car out there, or that can't afford to purchase a more expensive car, based solely on gas mileage. With the whole industry operating under higher standards, companies will have to develop the technology to increase mileage, while keeping prices down.