fuel economy & energy independence

Every minute, U.S. consumers send hundreds of thousands of dollars overseas to buy oil, and our reliance on foreign oil is continuing to grow. Part of the problem is that the fuel economy of new passenger vehicles peaked in 1988 and is declining due to stagnant federal standards, more and more miles being driven, and increased sales of inefficient SUVs and light trucks.

We cannot simply drill our way out of our current gasoline supply woes—attempting to do so will increase the strain on our environment, and there isn’t enough domestic oil to make a significant dent in prices. For example, opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling today won't produce oil for another 8 to 10 years, and even then will only provide a drop in the bucket compared with the rising demand.

Instead, federal fuel economy standards must be increased to over 40 mpg by 2015 and 55 mpg by 2025. Adopting fuel-efficient vehicle technologies to meet these standards would save three times more oil by 2025 than we could recover from the Arctic refuge. And tapping technology avoids the environmental degradation and air pollution that accompany increased drilling.

UCS scientists and engineers analyze the impact continued production of oil-thirsty vehicles will have on our economy and environment. Based on this research, we develop practical solutions leading to a future that promises clean vehicle choices in every shape and size.