American Motorists Overwhelmingly Favor Stricter Mileage Rules, Finds New Study

Fuel savings far greater than cost of more efficient technology, says Consumer Federation.

By Paul A. Eisenstein

Nearly eight of 10 Americans – including 68% of Republicans – favor the strict Corporate Average Fuel Economy, or CAFE, standards set to phase in between now and 2025, according to a new study by the Consumer Federation of America.

The non-profit group published the results of its findings as the Trump Administration prepares to reopen a review of the mileage regulations enacted under President Barack Obama. CFA officials also countered auto industry claims that the CAFE rules are too expensive, arguing that motorists would save more than $900 on fuel over a five-year period, or nearly three times more than high-mileage technology would add to the price of the typical vehicle.

During a teleconference, CFA Public Affairs Director Jack Gillis said he believes the odds for a rollback are growing “weaker and weaker,” and warned such a move would likely trigger an intense legal battle.

The CFA survey was the 10th annual look at consumer attitudes on fuel economy and “the remarkable thing,” said the group’s legal chief Mark Cooper, “is that one thing has been consistent: the public demand for better fuel economy.” That has remained the case even as gasoline prices have fallen while sales of traditionally fuel-hungry SUVs has grown to record levels.

But while demand for utes might be up, added Gillis, sales have been growing most rapidly for the most fuel-efficient models, typically those that have seen 10% or better improvements in mileage.

Read more of the original article at The Detroit Bureau.

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