Hybrid Road Trip Aims to "Rev Up" Support for Better Fuel Economy
Thursday, August 2, 2007
It's an old-fashioned summer road trip with cutting edge technology. The "Drive Beyond Oil" tour is making its way to gas stations, diners and fairs around Ohio in a hybrid SUV. The goal is to rev up support for higher fuel economy standards, currently before Congress. Speaking from the passenger seat, Rob Perks with the Natural Resource Defense Council says consumers and the environment would have a lot to gain if Congress gives the green light on fuel economy.
"There are benefits for people's pocketbooks, less pain at the pump. And then on top of that, we're going to have fewer greenhouse gas emissions with more efficient-fueled vehicles."
Perks adds it's been over thirty years since Congress took a good look at fuel economy standards and current regulations are behind the times.
"And here's the thing. In 1908, the Model T Ford got 25 miles per gallon. That's the same average mileage we get right now with our modern cars. So, it's ridiculous that we're not already boosting our miles per gallon. And everybody we've talked to in Ohio supports this."
Perks explains that they're touring Ohio because many of the state's Congressional representatives haven't committed one way or the other on the fuel economy legislation. The law would require an average fuel economy standard of 35 miles per gallon by 2019.
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