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Why fuel efficiency matters
© St. Petersburg Times, American car manufacturers and motorists have earned a dubious distinction. The 2001 model year vehicles had the lowest average fuel economy rating since 1980, according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Sport utility vehicles averaged 17.2 miles per gallon, pickup trucks 16.5 mpg, vans and minivans 19.3 mpg and cars 24.2 mpg, and because more drivers chose SUVs in 2001, the overall fuel economy average dipped to 20.4 mpg, a 21-year low. Why does it matter? Beyond contributing to waste and pollution, the rise of gas guzzlers could be seen as a national security issue. The EPA reported that an improvement of just 3 mpg overall would save 1-million barrels of oil per day. Considering that the United States imports 740,000 barrels of oil per day from Iraq, a modest improvement in fuel economy would free the country from its dependence on a hostile state. A 3 mpg improvement in overall mileage would also save consumers $25-billion a year in fuel costs and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 140-million metric tons, the EPA reported. If drivers won't conserve for their own good or the environment, maybe they will do it for their country.
 © 2006 • All Rights Reserved • Tampa Bay Times
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From the Times Opinion page |
