FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, June 21, 2007

CONTACT:
Brandon MacGillis,
202.550.4580

Pew Hails U.S. Senate Compromise On Fuel Efficiency as a Landmark Victory for all Americans. Raising fuel efficiency standards to 35 mpg by 2020 is good for consumers, our national security and the environment.

WASHINGTON, DC — The Pew Charitable Trusts welcomed today’s U.S. Senate compromise for a meaningful increase in fuel efficiency standards to 35 miles per gallon by 2020 as a landmark victory for all Americans.

"This compromise paves the way for the largest increase in vehicle efficiency in more than twenty years. Today, senators across the political spectrum listened to Americans who want relief at the pump, greater energy security, and a reduction in the global warming pollution that threatens our planet," said Phyllis Cuttino, director of the Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency. "Senators Stevens, Feinstein and the others who helped craft this compromise should be commended for standing up to intense industry lobbying and delivering this bipartisan energy legislation."

Over the last two decades, U.S. dependence on foreign oil has nearly doubled, gas prices have climbed more than 55 percent and U.S. global warming emissions have increased at an alarming rate. Meanwhile, average gas mileage for new vehicles is lower than it was 20 years ago.

"Today's vote combined with the new compromise puts the U.S. Senate on the cusp of a historic fuel efficiency increase that would help consumers at the pump and reduce our dependence on foreign oil," said Cuttino. "Now it’s time for the House to finish the job."

The Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency advocates a significant increase in the nation’s fuel efficiency standards. In recent weeks, the campaign has been building support among the public, policymakers and the media. As part of these efforts, it ran a series of advertisements in national newspapers and on radio stations in key states, using nonpartisan research to counter misleading arguments from the car industry.

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The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today’s most challenging problems. Pew applies a rigorous, analytical approach to improve public policy, inform the public and stimulate civic life. We partner with a diverse range of donors, public and private organizations and concerned citizens who share our commitment to fact-based solutions and goal-driven investments to improve society.