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Moving toward lower emissions Since the 1970s, EDF has been working for stronger fuel economy standards–lobbying Congress, testifying before committees, and conducting research. See how far we've come! Illustration: Marika Cowan
1970 — Gas was cheap, cars were big Before the oil embargo of 1973, gas was cheap and automakers had no incentive to build fuel efficient cars. A 1970 Pontiac GTO got 10 miles per gallon.1 If driven 50,000 miles, it created greenhouse emissions equal to almost 500 rail cars of coal.2
1975 — First fuel economy standards After the 1973 oil embargo, Congress passes the first fuel economy standards. Cars will need to increase efficiency to 27.5 mpg over the next 10 years. The new law creates a loophole for trucks – a loophole automakers will later exploit with SUVs.
1984 — The SUV arrives, guzzlers are back The introduction of the Jeep Cherokee in 1984 launches the SUV era. SUVs are held to a lower fuel economy standard, and a dramatic increase in their sales drives overall fuel efficiency downward. A new Jeep Cherokee today gets about 16 mpg.3
2000 — Invasion of the hybrids Toyota launches a revolution with the introduction of the 50 mpg Prius hybrid to the American market. The car features a hybrid gas-electric motor, with brakes that recharge the battery. The Prius is a hit with consumers, selling a million by 2011.
2002 — California dreamin’ (of better cars) In 2002, with backing from EDF, California passes a law setting strong new fuel economy standards, much stronger than the federal standards. Fourteen states follow suit, and EDF defends the law in court against a challenge from automakers.
2011 — At last: tighter fuel economy standards EDF works to make California’s auto standards national policy. After years of fighting higher standards, manufacturers finally drop their opposition. President Obama issues a rule requiring car fleets to achieve 54.5 miles per gallon by 2025.
2025 — A new fuel-efficient generation New technologies will help automakers reach the 54.5 mpg target—tires with lower rolling resistance, more efficient gearing, dual-clutch manual transmissions, and lightweight materials like advanced plastics. Take action for better fuel economy »
In 2002, we helped California pas its historic clean cars law, which tightened fuel economy standards and paved the way for federal action.
Fourteen states followed California’s lead, and EDF successfully defended the new law in court from a challenge by automakers.
In 2009, the federal government allowed the California law to take effect.
EDF urged the Obama administration to follow California’s example.
In 2011, rather than face a patchwork quilt of different state regulations, automakers agreed to a stricter federal standard.
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