Dear Editor,

I want my MPG!

American automaking used to be the most innovative industry in our nation. Unfortunately, that's no longer true. Detroit's Big Three haven't changed their basic engine technology in about 25 years, so our cars and SUVs still get about the same gas mileage they did in the 1970s. As a result, gasoline costs keep rising, and the environment suffers too.

I recently visited the Sierra Club Website, where I discovered that typical drivers like me could save thousands of dollars over the life of my car, if our cars just got better gas mileage.

The mileage standards used by the auto industry -- "CAFE" or fuel economy standards -- must be raised. Raising fuel economy standards will also create auto-industry jobs as other countries buy our efficient cars, conserve more oil than the Arctic Wildlife Refuge could ever produce, slow down our contribution to global warming, and help clean up air pollution that threatens the health of our families -- especially children and seniors. (Did you know that many experts agree that auto emissions now kill more people than auto accidents?)

The House of Representatives recently had the opportunity to implement higher MPG standards, but they dropped the ball. This is unacceptable. I'm sure I'm not the only consumer that wants my MPG.

Sincerely,