Fact #195: December 17, 2001
U.S. Public Strongly Supports Requirements for More Fuel-Efficient Cars

According to three recent public opinion surveys, the U.S. public shows strong support for requirements of automakers to improve vehicle fuel efficiency. In May 2001, the Gallup Poll survey found that 85% of Americans favor mandates on more fuel-efficient cars. Similarly, the NBC News/Wall Street Journal poll (June 2001) revealed that 87% of U.S. adults favor the requirement for automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars. In line with those two surveys, the ABC News/Washington Post poll showed an overwhelming support (89%) for the federal government to require car manufacturers to improve fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in the United States.

Public Support of Requirements for More Fuel-Efficient Cars
Graph: Public Support of Requirements for More Fuel-Efficient Cars

Note: These surveys were conducted before the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001.

Supporting Information

Public Support of Requirements for More Fuel-Efficient Cars
Opinion Surveys	Respondents Supporting Requirement
Gallup Poll, May 2001	85%
NBC/Wall Street Journal, June 2001	87%
ABC News/Washington Post, June 2001	89%
Sources: Gallup Poll, May 7-9, 2001, N=505; NBC/Wall Street Journal, June 23-25, 2001, N=806; ABC News/Washington Post, May 31-June 3, 2001, N=1,004. Gallup Poll, May 7-9, 2001: Here are some things that can be done to deal with the energy situation. For each one, please say whether you generally favor or oppose it. How about mandating more energy efficient cars? NBC/Wall Street Journal, June 23-25, 2001: Here are several proposals that have been made to help solve America's energy problems. Do you favor or oppose to require automakers to produce more fuel-efficient cars? ABC News/Washington Post, May 31-June 3, 2001: For U.S. energy needs, do you support or oppose Federal Government action to require car manufactures to improve fuel efficiency of vehicles sold in the U.S.?

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Fact #195: December 17, 2001U.S. Public Strongly Supports Requirements for More Fuel-Efficient Cars

Supporting Information

Fact #195: December 17, 2001
U.S. Public Strongly Supports Requirements for More Fuel-Efficient Cars