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Executive Summary

Economy (CAFE) standards for cars and trucks was included in the Senate energy bill that was passed in June of this year, marking the first time in over thirty years that either House of Congress has passed an increase in CAFE standards.  The Senate standards would raise gas mileage standards for cars and trucks from 27.5 miles per gallon (mpg) and 22.2 mpg respectively to 35 mpg by 2020.  This would save Pennsylvania consumers $979 million at the pump in 2020, reduce oil consumption by 44,450 barrels per day in 2020 and reduce global warming emissions by as much as would be cut by taking 537,688 cars off the road in 2020.

Nationwide the savings would be even more significant.  In 2020, the Senate fuel economy standards would reduce our national oil consumption by 1.2 million barrels per day, save consumers $26.5 billion dollars and reduce global warming emissions by as much as would be cut by taking 14 million cars off the road.  Increasing CAFE standards is one of the biggest steps we can take to reduce our dependence on foreign oil, improve our national security and move us on the path towards a new, clean energy future.