New Energy Solutions News

As the new home of WISPIRG's environmental work, Wisconsin Environment can be contacted with any questions regarding this report.

MADISON—In the wake of this year’s high gasoline prices, Wisconsin’s consumers will pay $163 million more than they should at the gas pump in 2006 because of shortsighted automobile fuel economy policies, according to a report released today by the WISPIRG Education Fund.

This holiday season, consumers in Wisconsin are paying more to heat their homes and fill up their gas tanks for holiday road trips. WISPIRG Education Fund’s report, "America Idles: How President Bush’s Inaction Will Cost Americans Billions at the Pump in 2006", details how much money and oil consumers would save in 2006 had the Bush administration increased gasoline mileage for cars and trucks four years ago.

“So far, Congress and the Bush administration have focused on filling the stockings of Big Oil,” said Bruce Speight, WISPIRG Field Director. “This holiday season, American consumers deserve the gift of better gas mileage,” he continued.

According to the report, had President Bush increased the fuel economy of cars and light trucks to 40 mpg in 2001, consumers and the U.S. economy would now be reaping the benefits. Although the policy would still be phasing in, more efficient cars would already be entering the market.

The report shows that in 2006 alone:

• The U.S. would consume 500,000 barrels of oil less per day. This is more than three-fourths of current imports from Iraq. Wisconsin would save 9,330 barrels per day next year.
  
• Consumers would save nearly $9 billion at the gas pump, or about $500 per new vehicle. Wisconsin’s consumers would save $163 million next year.
  
• The U.S. would reduce its global warming pollution by 34.2 million tons of carbon dioxide. This is equivalent to taking almost six million average vehicles off the road. Wisconsin would reduce its carbon dioxide pollution by the equivalent of 111,321 vehicles next year.

“Unfortunately, America’s consumers, environment, and national security will not be enjoying these gifts next year,” said Speight. “The Bush administration and Congress have failed to take meaningful action to make cars and SUVs go farther on a gallon of gasoline.”

In August 2005, the president signed into law an energy bill that gives new tax breaks to the oil and gas industry while doing nothing to make cars go farther on a gallon of gasoline. In the same month, the Bush administration proposed changes to federal fuel economy standards that could actually encourage manufacturers to make bigger and less fuel-efficient SUVs and trucks.

Oil industry allies in Congress also continue to push for drilling in the Arctic Refuge and in protected coastal areas. The Bush administration’s own Energy Information Administration has determined that drilling in the Arctic Refuge would only reduce gasoline prices by a penny a gallon 20 years from now.

“It’s time for our leaders to make a New Year’s resolution to break America’s oil habit and raise miles per gallon standards so Wisconsinites can drive twice as far before filling up,” stated Speight. WISPIRG calls on Congress to support bills sponsored by Senator Richard Durbin (D-IL) and Representative Christopher Shays (R-CT) to raise gas mileage standards to 40 miles per gallon over the next 10 years.