by Alison Lueders, Great Green Editing
In case you missed it, in late August the federal government announced new fuel efficiency standards that vehicles must attain by 2025. It’s an average of 54.5 miles per gallon. (This is in contrast to the 35.5 mpg benchmark we are currently working towards by 2016.) These standards were worked out between auto makers, as well as the Department of Transportation and the EPA.
The standards will save about 2.2 million barrels of oil per day and cut greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles in half. Given that power plants and vehicles are the two biggest sources of greenhouse gas emissions, that’s huge. This will also likely spur the economy, as new jobs are created to make the lighter materials and the innovative components that will go into these cars.
So what does this mean to the people of Tampa Bay? Given our car-congested area, it’s good news. With a current average vehicle efficiency of 23.8 mpg (of course, it depends greatly on your particular car and commute), the new standards will save significant money and time. Imagine spending HALF as much money on gas – although it’s anybody’s guess what gas prices will be in 2025. And spending less time at the pump? Most busy people will appreciate the longer time between fill ups.
Last but not least, less fuel burned means cleaner air and water – something that will benefit everyone.
So let’s hear it for this big step towards a greener world!