More Governors Endorse Smart Driving

The EcoDriving movement continues to grow as five more governors have announced their support for this national initiative to promote green driving.

The five governors are Sonny Perdue (R-Ga.), C.L. "Butch" Otter (R-Idaho), Jennifer M. Granholm (D-Mich.), Brad Henry (D-Okla.), and Jon Huntsman (R-Utah).

"These governors recognize that EcoDriving stretches beyond state and party lines," said Dave McCurdy, president and chief executive officer of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers. "Support for this driver-friendly program shows leadership in engaging the citizens of these states to start driving green. This support shows a serious commitment to being a part of the comprehensive solution to protect the environment. We all have a role to play in this."

By supporting EcoDriving, the governors are helping to raise awareness of how subtle and easy-to-use driving and vehicle maintenance best practices can improve mileage by about 15 percent.

The Auto Alliance and its 11 global automakers are helping educate consumers on the benefits through a Web site, communications at auto shows, and advertisements.

EcoDriving produces the highest mileage from every single vehicle, regardless of vehicle size and age, so it offers an unmatched reach in addressing energy and climate issues by potentially affecting the nation's entire fleet of 245 million automobiles.

If just half of all drivers nationwide practiced moderate levels of EcoDriving, annual carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions could be reduced by about 100 million tons, or the equivalent of heating and powering 8.5 million households.

"In these tough economic times, everyone wants to save more as well as help reduce their impact on the environment," McCurdy said. "EcoDriving is the perfect program since it helps drivers by allowing them to make their current vehicles more fuel-efficient while also reducing fuel costs and CO2 emissions."

For more information, visit www.ecodrivingusa.com.