Copyright 2002 The Columbus Dispatch  
Columbus Dispatch (Ohio)
April 10, 2002 Wednesday, Home Final Edition
SECTION: EDITORIAL & COMMENT; Letters To The Editor; Pg. 08A

LENGTH: 163 words

HEADLINE: LAWMAKERS CAVED ON GAS-MILEAGE STANDARDS

BODY:
I am disappointed at our public officials' lack of spine over fuel-efficiency standards. Raising the standards for all new cars would create, not cost, jobs. A recent report by the Union of Concerned Scientists concluded that raising fuel-efficiency standards to 40 miles per gallon would create about 40,000 jobs in the auto industry by 2010, while saving car owners as much as $5,000 at the gas pump over the life of their vehicle.

When the problems of stagnant standards and the sport utility vehicle loophole are combined with an ever-growing market share for light trucks (including SUVs and minivans), the result is a 2002 U.S. fleet of automobiles that gets the worst gas mileage in 21 years.

If they won't raise them, let's do it with our wallets. If we all put gas mileage at the top of our list when shopping for a new car, we can benefit now, both in terms of reduced cost to operate our vehicles and in cleaner air to breathe.

Laurie Clark

Columbus

LOAD-DATE: April 10, 2002