Increased Fuel Standards Means More Jobs in U.S.

For years, Congressional representatives from automobile manufacturing states and Republicans opposed to any kind of regulation of anything have teamed up to keep gas mileage standards for U.S. cars at much higher than they could and should be.

Now we learn that increased mileage standards of the past few years has made American cars more desirable and Americans have again begun to buy them. That means profits, jobs and that President Obama's infusion of money to save the industry was doubly wise.

Here's a press release about what's happening in this key segment of our economy(where jobs are in manufacturing, not soft services):

"With the launch of new federal vehicle fuel economy rules only about one week away, the American auto industry has grown by nearly a quarter million jobs (236,600) since June 2009 when the auto industry hit bottom, according to a new report available from DrivingGrowth.org.

"The study finds that fuel efficiency is a major factor behind the gains in U.S. auto jobs. The website that tracks the revitalization of the U.S. auto industry is sponsored by three leading U.S. environmental organizations: The Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation, and the Michigan League of Conservation Voters Education Fund.

"Manufacturing of motor vehicle and parts has grown by 165,100, or 26.4 percent since June 2009. Another 71,500 jobs have been added at U.S. auto dealerships. Automakers, their suppliers and their dealers are now looking ahead to a brighter future after the dark days of the recession.

"Setting strong fuel efficiency standards means we are sending more of our energy dollars to the Midwest, not the Middle East," says Tiffany Ingram, Midwest advocacy director for NRDC. "Global automakers are now sourcing their most advanced, high-tech manufacturing here in the United States, creating a more sustainable and secure future for U.S. industry and U.S. workers."

(Photo: precisiontune.com)