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Second federal judge orders temporary reinstatement of thousands of probationary employees fired by the Trump administration; U.S., Canada political tension could affect Maine summer tourism; Report: Incarceration rates rise in MS, U.S. despite efforts at reform; MI study: HBCU students show better mental health, despite challenges.

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Trump administration faces legal battles on birthright citizenship; the arrest of a Palestinian activist sparks protests over free speech. Conservationists voice concerns about federal job cuts impacting public lands, and Ohio invests in child wellness initiatives.

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Farmers worry promised federal reimbursements aren't coming while fears mount that the Trump administration's efforts to raise cash means the sale of public lands, and rural America's shortage of doctors has many physicians skipping retirement.

Arizona drivers prioritize better fuel economy

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Wednesday, January 29, 2025   

Spending less money at the gas pump is important for Arizona drivers, according to a new survey.

Chris Harto, senior policy analyst for transportation and energy at Consumer Reports, said no matter what their political views, about 96% of Americans say fuel economy is a deciding factor when looking to buying a car. The U.S. Department of Transportation said Arizonans drive on average close to 800 miles per month and spend more than 3.5% of their income on gas.

Harto pointed out lower fuel costs are not their only demand.

"The consumers want automakers to continue to improve fuel economy for the vehicles that they sell," Harto reported. "On the flip side of that, consumers didn't really show a lot of trust in automakers to actually deliver those fuel savings without regulations."

Harto noted two-thirds of Americans surveyed say the U.S. government should continue to increase fuel economy standards. It could prove to be difficult, as President Donald Trump has promised to undo what he calls an "unlawful regulatory mandate on companies to eliminate gas-powered cars." He has also pledged to lower energy costs by loosening oil and gas regulations in order to boost supply.

Harto emphasized when strong fuel efficiency standards are in place, significant progress and cost reductions are seen but when the policies have been rolled back or frozen, it has a direct effect on people's pocketbooks.

"When you 'let the market decide,' the market doesn't deliver the savings that our survey shows consumers clearly want," Harto argued. "These standards really help push the market to do what consumers really want the market to do, but it doesn't appear like the market will do without those standards."

Improvements in fuel economy and emission standards have translated to "massive" savings, according to Consumer Reports, including fuel savings of more than $9,000 for the average new car today, compared to cars produced in 2001.


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