NRDC REPORT: DRIVERS SAVE $68 BILLION BY 2030 UNDER 54.5 MPG FUEL EFFICIENCY STANDARD

Drivers save $68 billion in fuel costs annually when everyone gets a 54.5 miles-per-gallon car. For this would be in 2030, according to a report released by the Natural Resources Defense Council.

So drivers in Texas, California and Florida save the most in 2030. All according to “Relieving Pain at the Pump.” But motorists everywhere now can also find relief from gas prices on the showroom floor; especially when SUV get 17-23 MPG.

Charging the Chevy Volt at one of the Hampton Inn’s in Albany, NY

So the 54.5 mpg by 2025 standard will also double today’s average level of fuel efficiency. This will furthermore save drivers $4,400 over the life of the vehicle, after considering the cost of the fuel saving technologies.

In addition, NRDC quantified savings in all states is expected by 2030. Thereby giving the more efficient vehicles a chance to penetrate the roadways.

As well, the top 20 states drivers will also save the most from the 54.5 mpg fuel efficiency standards. Here’s what is listed at the bottom of this release.

Automakers are introducing fuel-saving cars as a result of the 35.5 mpg standard.

However and more importantly, this is giving consumers fuel-saving vehicle options. That’s in addition to buying a hybrid or electric vehicle.

In conclusion, the report can be found online at http://www.nrdc.org/energy/relievingpainatthepump.asp. Luke has more details about the report in his blog here: http://switchboard.nrdc.org/blogs/ltonachel/.

Finally, here are the top 20 states. States where drivers expecting most of the benefit.
1) Texas $7.750 billion
2) California $7.270 billion
3) Florida: $6.683 billion
4) New York: $2.959 billion
5) North Carolina: $2.797 billion
6) Georgia: $2.564 billion
7) Virginia: $2.179 billion
8) Pennsylvania: $2.004 billion
9) Tennessee: $1.958 billion
10) Arizona: $1.887 billion
11) Illinois $1.853 billion
12) Ohio: $1.664 billion
13) Washington: $1.547 billion
14) Maryland $1.529 billion
15) Michigan $1.520 billion
16) New Jersey: $1.452 billion
17) Alabama $1.271 billion
18) Kentucky: $1.207 billion
19) Missouri: $1.207 billion
20) Minnesota $1.162 billion

Finally, these state rankings are net savings. Net savings is reflecting real fuel savings. Real fuel savings at the pump includes the incremental costs associated. Meaning the cars with fuel-saving technologies in new cars. All according to the report.

Source: Natural Resources Defense Council, WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 19, 2012)