Tell the Bush administration we need real action to reduce our dependence on oil, save consumers money at the pump, and safeguard our environment. DEADLINE FOR COMMENTS IS FEBRUARY 14.

The administration's proposal to raise the fuel economy standard for SUVs, pickups, and minivans by 1.5 mpg between 2005 and 2007 falls below what some automakers have already pledged to meet voluntarily and is significantly lower than what is technologically feasible.

'Reply' to this message to automatically send the comments below to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). To customize the letter visit http://www.ucsaction.org/index.asp?step=2&item=2383

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Dear Secretary Runge:

I am disappointed that the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is proposing only a modest change in fuel economy standards for SUVs, pickups and minivans. The administration's proposal to raise the fuel economy of these light trucks by 1.5 mpg between 2005 and 2007 falls below what some automakers have already pledged to meet voluntarily and is significantly lower than what is technologically feasible. When NHTSA's proposal is combined with the auto industry-supported loopholes in current law, gains in fuel economy and real oil savings are all but wiped out.

The National Academy of Sciences has concluded that the technology exists to raise the fuel economy of light trucks significantly from the current 20.7 mpg average standard. Additional analysis indicates that a 35 mpg light truck average is possible within the next ten years. NHTSA should set fuel economy goals and timelines that are aimed at achieving the highest fuel economy for light trucks possible. It is clear that the auto industry could be providing consumers with trucks that can go much farther on a gallon of gas while maintaining safety and performance.

As the administration prepares for a possible war in the Middle East, the negligible fuel economy target set by NHTSA is irresponsible. The administration is squandering an important opportunity to put us on the road to real energy independence and to save Americans millions at the gas pump each year. As it stands, the administration's proposal seems to reflect deals negotiated with industry instead of a good faith effort to require that the automakers employ existing technology to improve the fuel economy of light trucks for the sake of America's energy security, consumers and the environment. I urge you to reconsider this proposal.

[your name and address will be entered automatically]

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If you have questions or comments about this action, please email action@ucsusa.org. If you 'Reply' to this message, you will automatically send the letter above.

If you have received this message from a friend, the auto-reply function will not work. Please visit http://www.ucsaction.org/index.asp?step=2&item=2383 to take action.

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BACKGROUND The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is now in the midst of a rulemaking process to determine a recommended change in the fuel economy standards for light trucks. It is currently accepting public comment on the Bush administration's proposal, which calls for a very small increase in the fuel economy standards of SUVs and other lights trucks. This proposal does next to nothing to guarantee that the automakers will be producing light trucks with improved fuel economy.

The proposal is to raise the fuel economy standards of light trucks by 1.5 mpg between 2005 and 2007. This is less than the 1.8 mpg increase that some in the auto industry have voluntarily committed to for light trucks. Additional scrutiny reveals that when taking into account the loopholes the industry currently enjoys, the oil savings from the proposal will be negligible.

Expert analysis shows that much more can be done to improve the fuel economy of light trucks. The National Academy of Sciences has concluded that the technology exists to significantly raise the fuel economy of light trucks from the current 20.7 mpg average standard. UCS analysis indicates that a 35 mpg light truck average is possible within the next ten years. The administration's proposal is more reflective of a deal negotiated with industry than of a good faith effort to enact policy that reduces our dependence on oil, saves consumers money at the gas pump and results in a cleaner environment.

The deadline for public comments is Feb. 14th and the agency will not be holding public hearings. Your letter is important and will be entered into the official docket. Customizing your letter will give your comments additional weight.

You can view the request for comments at:

http://dms.dot.gov/search/document.cfm? documentid=207837&docketid=11419

The docket number is 11419