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Clean Energy Solutions: Clean Cars

The biggest single step that the United States can take to curb global warming and save oil is to require automakers to produce cleaner, more efficient vehicles. Each gallon of gasoline we burn emits between 24 and 28 pounds of carbon dioxide - the most common greenhouse gas - into the atmosphere. By using existing technology to produce vehicles that go farther on a gallon of gas and emit less carbon dioxide pollution, Americans can save billions of dollars, cut global warming pollution, and slash our dependence on oil.

After decades of inaction, national and state clean car standards have are undergoing significant increases. The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 mandated the first increases in federal fuel economy (CAFÉ) standards since 1975. California, which led the way at the state level by initiating stringent greenhouse gas tailpipe standards for motor vehicles in 2002, is also on the verge of having the authority to put those clean car standards to work. Significantly, 14 states and the District of Columbia adopted California's clean car standards, helping to build pressure for new national standards.

Landmark Action

Less than one week after taking office, President Obama fulfilled campaign promises and confirmed that global warming and energy would be top priorities by signing memoranda directing the EPA to re-evaluate the denial of California's clean car waiver and ordering the Department of Transportation to issue fuel economy standards for years 2011-2016.

Following up on those directives, in May 2009 President Obama announced that his administration will raise passenger vehicle fuel economy to a fleet average of 35.5 mpg by 2016 - achieving the goal of the 2007 energy bill four years early - and also create new national greenhouse gas emissions standards of 250 grams of greenhouse gases per mile. This historic move will require the Department of Transportation, which sets fuel economy standards, to work closely with the Environmental Protection Agency, which will be setting new national greenhouse gas standards. Significantly, the President's action allows California to continue to be a leader in setting state-based greenhouse gas standards in the future.

President Obama's proposed action is the single biggest step the US has ever taken to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The standards announced by President Obama will reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 900 million metric tons, equivalent to taking 177 million cars off the road for one year.

While automakers already have a range of technologies on the shelf that increase fuel economy and reduce pollution, we must continue to develop new, innovative vehicles that will deliver the significant reductions in global warming pollution and oil consumption we need to avoid the worst effects of global warming. Find more information about recent action on clean cars, the Sierra Club's latest advocacy on Capitol Hill (coming soon), and browse our personal tips on how you can reduce the impact of driving your car.

Personal Solutions

Sierra Club's clean car campaign also promotes actions everyone can take to reduce their carbon footprint. Transportation accounts for a high percentage of most Americans' individual carbon emissions. The good news is that you can take many small steps on a daily basis to do your part in the fight against global warming:

1. If you're in the market for a new car, buy a hybrid or the most fuel efficient vehicle that meets your needs. Considering each gallon of gas we burn releases 28 pounds of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, better fuel economy = a better environment
2. Check your tire pressure frequently and keep your tires fully inflated. Full tires can improve your fuel economy up to 10%.
3. Use a GPS - studies show that using a navigational device can reduce miles traveled up to 16%.
4. If you own a car but do not require it for your daily commute, sell the car and join a car sharing company instead. This cuts down on your insurance, gas, and car payment bills, and significantly cuts down on casual, unnecessary driving.
5. Find out your car's optimal speed for fuel economy and set your cruise control.
6. Choose an efficient route for your errand-running so as to avoid multiple trips or excessive miles. If you visit a shopping center and plan to make multiple stops, park your car in the center of the parking lot and walk to your individual destinations.
7. Roughly 44% of car trips taken are less than 2 miles - burn calories instead of gasoline by taking a walk or riding a bike.
8. Ask your boss if you can telecommute one or two days per week.
9. Carpool with co-workers. This can be fun and a great way to wake you up in the morning! If a daily carpool won't work, try one or two days per week.
10. If you have two cars and are taking a trip, choose the more fuel efficient car.
11. Shop online instead of making the trip!
12. Keep your car tuned up.
13. If you're driving a standard, save gasoline by downshifting instead of braking in neutral.
14. Don't drive with the windows down at high speeds. This creates drag and reduces your fuel economy.
15. Support public transportation in your community! Increased use and demand for public transportation can improve the level of service.