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Sen. Klobuchar Highlights New Gas Mileage Standards As She Fuels Up for Statewide "Main Street Tour"

Historic Energy Law Increases Fuel Efficiency Standards to 35 MPG

January 2, 2008

Minneapolis, MN  – With subzero temperatures, U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar prepared to start her “Main Street Tour” of local Minnesota communities by fueling up her family Saturn this morning at a Twin Cities gas station and highlighting America’s historic new energy law passed by Congress last month.

This week, Klobuchar is visiting Duluth, International Falls, Grand Rapids, Cambridge, Milaca, Mora, McGregor, Virginia and Ely.  Later in the month, she will visit communities ranging from Worthington, Marshall and New Ulm in the south to Bemidji, Crookston and Hallock in the north.
 
Klobuchar said the nation’s new energy law will increase the fleetwide fuel efficiency standards for all cars, trucks and SUVs by 40 percent from the current 25 miles per gallon to 35 miles per gallon by 2020.  It marks the first increase in mileage standards passed by Congress since 1975 – which, Klobuchar noted, was when she was still in junior high school.

“This new law,” Klobuchar said, “is a first down payment and essential investment in building a new 21st century energy economy based on vastly improved efficiency and greater use of homegrown, renewable fuels.”

As a member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Klobuchar was among a bipartisan group of senators who pushed for inclusion of the stronger mileage standards, as well as new mandates for biofuels, including cellulosic-based ethanol.  

Transportation is the single largest sector of consumer spending on energy, representing 68 percent of our nation’s total oil consumption.

“The new law promises to begin a revolutionary change in our energy consumption patterns,” said Klobuchar    “It will reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil, strengthen our national security, promote technological innovation, create new jobs and cut the greenhouse gas pollution that causes global warming.” 

Klobuchar added:  “For the average American family, it will mean savings of as much as $1,000 per year on fuel costs.  This is no small matter, because energy costs have become an increasing burden on middle-class families.”

Since 2001, gas prices have more than doubled to the current level of about $3 per gallon.  The U.S. Department of Energy is forecasting that gas prices will jump to an average of $3.40 by the spring, with some experts saying it could reach $4 per gallon by the end of 2008.
 
Today, Klobuchar begins her "Main Street Tour" to focus on the economic challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota families and businesses, with energy costs being among the foremost challenges. 

Klobuchar said:  “I look forward to hearing from Minnesotans and bringing their ideas back to Washington with me as I start my second year in the Senate and continue my fight for change to make a difference for people in their everyday lives.”

Klobuchar visited every one of Minnesota’s 87 counties during 2007 and she plans to do it again in 2008.
 
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