Cars and trucks on the road today are some of the heaviest contributors to poor air quality and global warming. Illnesses such as cancer, childhood asthma, and respiratory diseases have become increasingly linked to emissions from transportation. This problem is furthered by poorly designed transportation systems that contribute to sprawl causing freeways to become more congested and polluted.

Despite improvements in technology, the average fuel economy of vehicles is less than it was in the 1980s, which also means they generate more pollution. The expansion in the production of hybrid vehicles and technological improvements in conventional vehicles could raise the fuel efficiency of new vehicles to 40 miles per gallon within a decade and 55 mpg by 2020 according the NRDC.

By taking an interest in the fuel economy and by using energy more efficiently, we can help reduce the U.S. dependence on petroleum. In addition, this will create incentives for the auto industry to produce advanced technologies for cleaner and more energy efficient cars that are better for the environment.