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Raising average fuel economy standards

A Chevy Volt parked outside the state capitol building in Lansing
(photo by Steve Carmody/Michigan Radio)
A Chevy Volt parked outside the state capitol building in Lansing

 Environmentalists say significantly raising federal fuel economy standards will benefit Michigan’s auto industry.   

The Obama administration is considering more than doubling the current average fuel economy standard by 2025 to more than 50 miles per gallon. 

  Brad Van Guilder is with the Sierra Club.  He says domestic automakers have made strides to improve hybrid and electric technology in recent years.   Van Guilder says that should give them an advantage in producing more fuel efficient vehicles in the future. 

 “This gives a chance to the domestic auto industry to leap ahead into what’s really the next big thing," says Van Guilder.   

The proposed new fuel economy standards will be the subject of a public hearing next week in Detroit.  

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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