About the Campaign

In 2007, President Bush signed into law the first increase in fuel efficiency standards for cars and light trucks in more than 30 years– an achievement many Congressional observers once thought unimaginable. The Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency played a critical role in making this historic event happen.

As recently as 2005, 67 members of the Senate opposed any increase in fuel efficiency. Even in early 2007, the auto industry claimed that 35 MPG was 'unachievable.'

The Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency built on public support for stronger standards by engaging diverse constituencies including military experts, environmental groups and consumer advocates. The campaign conducted extensive media outreach, ran print and radio advertisements both nationally and locally and performed extensive public opinion.

In the end, the bill was passed by the U.S. House and Senate, supported by a majority of Republicans and Democrats, the UAW, environmentalists, 89 percent of American voters and even the auto industry itself. It will save 1.1 million barrels of oil a day and $25 billion for consumers at the pump – making the auto industry the first major sector of the American economy that will reduce its global warming pollution by the equivalent of taking 28 million cars off the road. Taken together, it will save consumers money at the pump, increase our national security and reduce the threat of global warming.

For more information on Pew's efforts to reduce the threat of global warming, please visit PewGlobalWarming.org.