The Facts
35mpgby2020 would create jobs
- Since May 2005, the Big Three automakers have cut or proposed cutting 132,000 jobs at 64 U.S. plants. (Source: McAldin, Sean, Center for Automotive Research, in: "Chrysler cutting 13,000 jobs," Associated Press, February 15, 2007)
- A 35mpgby2020 fuel economy boost would create 241,000 jobs in the U.S., including 23,900 in the auto industry in 2020. (Source: “Creating Jobs, Saving Energy, and Protecting the Environment: An Analysis of the Potential Benefits of Investing in Efficient Cars and Trucks ,” Union of Concerned Scientists, 2007.)
- According to University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute (UMTRI) research, raising fuel economy fleet wide to 35mpgby2020 would save up to 35,000 jobs. (Source: Walter McManus, "Can Proactive Fuel Economy Strategies Help Automakers Mitigate Fuel-Price Risks?," University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, September 2006)
35mpgby2020 would reinvigorate the U.S. auto industry
- Without fuel efficiency gains, Detroit stands to lose $3.6 billion if gas prices stay high. (Source: Walter McManus, "Can Proactive Fuel Economy Strategies Help Automakers Mitigate Fuel-Price Risks?," University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, September 2006)
- The National Academy of Sciences says our automakers already have the technology to get their cars and light trucks to average 35mpgby2020 without sacrificing vehicle size, safety or horsepower. (Source: “Effectiveness and Impact of Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards,” National Academy of Sciences report to Congress, 2002.)
- According to UMTRI research, raising fuel economy fleet wide to 35mpgby2020 would boost domestic automakers' profits by $12 billion through 2018. (Source: Walter McManus, “The Impact of Attribute-Based Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Standards,” University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, July 2007.)
35mpgby2020 can help end our foreign oil addiction
- An increase in fuel economy standards would save American 1.2 million barrels a day which is more than we currently import from Iraq. (Source: Union of Concerned Scientists)