Colella.Blasi.Bertrand.MMA.Spring2009.EnergyandWater

=__Fuel Efficiency__ =

Why fuel efficiency is important:
1)  It can save you money every year. With the newest and most fuel efficient cars, you can save as much as $200-$1500 a year. That is extra money that could be put towards paying your mortgage or your car loan from the expensive new hybrid.

2)  It reduces our dependence on foreign oil. In fact, more than half of the gas and oil we put into our cars and homes is from a foreign country. The fact that we rely on foreign countries makes us extremely “vulnerable” to market manipulation and price shocks.

3)  Increase in Energy Sustainability. Since oil is a non-renewable resource, we cannot depend on it forever. We can change that by using it sparingly now and give ourselves time to find other renewable resources.

4)  The most important factor is that fossil fuels greatly affect the earth and its atmosphere. CO2 contributes to global climate change.

a.  Each gallon of gas that is burned creates 20 pounds of CO2. b.  The average vehicle emits nearly 6 to 9 tons of CO2 a year. c.  Carbon Dioxide Emission have increased from 1990-2004 by 20%.

The graph above shows the insrease of CO2 emissions as the gas mileage goes down.
 * [[image:http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/images/CarbonMPG_Graph.gif width="249" height="189" align="middle" caption="Graph showing typical carbon emissions by vehicle MPG"]] ||

=Fuel Efficiency Standards = In the past, fuel efficiency standards were nowhere near the point they needed to be.

= = =1970 = In the 1970’s, as a result of the gas shortages, Congress passed a law calling for a doubling of passenger vehicle fuel-efficiency to 27.5 MPG within 10 years. Along with this law, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) was given the authority to set different and/or more stringent rules for “light truck”. =1980 = Efficiency in vehicles steadily increased through the ‘80s because of the slow phase in of the law passed in 1975. Between 1974 and 1985, fuel efficiency doubled from 13.6 to 27.5 MPG, while light trucks increased from 11.6 to 19.5 MPG. In the mid ‘80s however, Ford and GM lobbied President Reagan to lower the standards. The NHTSA complied and set a 26 mpg standard for 1986. Chrysler Chairman Lee Lacocca is quoted as saying, “We are about to put up a tombstone, ‘Here lies America’s energy policy’”. For 3 years the standards stayed the same, until 1989 when the 27.5 standard was restored, but light trucks were lowered to 20 mpg. =1990 = <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">In 1990, Senators Richard Bryan (D) and Slade Gordon (R) supported a bill to raise the standards by 40% over a decade. Although it passed in the Commerce Committee, it failed to win on the Senate Floor. Had the law passed, the U.S. would currently be saving more than one million barrels of oil per day.

//<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">"<span style="color: rgb(192, 0, 0);">There's no better argument for reducing our dependence on foreign oil than news reports from the Persian Gulf." // <span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(192, 0, 0); line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';"> //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(192, 0, 0); line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">- //<span style="font-size: 12pt; color: rgb(192, 0, 0); line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Baskerville Old Face','serif';">Sen. Richard Bryan on his 40 mpg fuel bill-

<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif';"> <span style="font-size: 110%; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;"> <span style="color: rgb(54, 95, 145); font-family: Cambria;"> <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Obama's New Fuel Efficiency Plan- The new standards are going to be covering model years 2012-2016. They will require an average fuel economy of 35.5 mpg in 2016. With these new standards, we are projected to save 1.8 billion barrels of oil over the life of the program. Not only that, but we will have a fuel economy gain that averages more than 5 percent per year with the reduction of approximately 900 million metric tons in greenhouse gas emissions. This would surpass the CAFE law passed by Congress in 2007 required an average fuel economy of 35 mpg in 2020 <span style="font-family: Cambria; color: rgb(54, 95, 145);"> <span style="font-size: 12pt; font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">

Listed below are the top ten **BEST** and **WORST** cars in terms of miles per gallon (MPG) for the year 2009. The cars specs are shown and the annual fuel consumption and carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions have been calculated.

**__Best MPG 2009:__**
1) **Toyota PRIUS** ** MPG**: 48 City / 45 Highway (46 Combined) __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * Tank Size**: 11.9 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 547.4 mi
 * Consumes**: 10.35 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 5.4 tons of CO2

2) **Honda CIVIC Hybrid** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 40 City / 45 Highway (42 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 12.3 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 516.6 mi
 * Consumes**: 11.34 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 5.7 tons of CO2

3) **Volkswagen JETTA** (Manual 6 Spd) Diesel __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 30 City / 41 Highway (34 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 14.5 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 493 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.01 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 8.3 tons of CO2

4) **Nissan ALTIMA Hybrid** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 35 City / 33 Highway (34 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 20 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 680 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.01 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 7.2 tons of CO2

5) **Volkswagen JETTA** **Sportwagen** (Manual 6 Spd) Diesel __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 30 City / 41 Highway (34 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 14.5 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 493 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.01 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 8.3 tons of CO2

6) **Toyota CAMRY Hybrid** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 33 City / 34 Highway (34 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 17.2 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 584.8 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.01 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 7.2 tons of CO2

7) **Volkswagen JETTA** (Auto) Diesel __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 29 City / 40 Highway (33 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 14.5 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 478.5 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.43 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 8.3 tons of CO2

8) **Volkswagen JETTA** **Sportwagen** (Auto) Diesel __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 29 City / 40 Highway (33 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 14.5 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 478.5 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.43 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 8.3 tons of CO2

9) **Mini MINI COOPER** (Manual 6 Spd) __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 28 City / 37 Highway (32 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 13.2 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 422.4 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.88 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 7.7 tons of CO2

10) **Mazda TRIBUTE Hybrid 2WD** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 34 City / 31 Highway (32 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 15.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 480 mi
 * Consumes**: 14.88 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 7.7 tons of CO2

__Worst MPG 2009:__
1) **Lamborghini MURCIELAGO** (Manual 6 Spd) __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 8 City / 13 Highway (10 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 26.4 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 264 mi
 * Consumes**: 18.04 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 24.4 tons of CO2

2) **Lamborghini MURCIELAGO Roadster** (Manual 6 Spd) __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 8 City / 13 Highway (10 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 26.4 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 264 mi
 * Consumes**: 18.04 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 24.4 tons of CO2

3) **Dodge DAKOTA Pickup 2WD** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 9 City / 13 Highway (11 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 22.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 242 mi
 * Consumes**: 21.65 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 15.3 tons of CO2

4) **Dodge RAM 1500 Pickup 2WD** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 9 City / 13 Highway (11 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 26.0-32.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 286-352 mi
 * Consumes**: 18.31-14.88 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 15.3 tons of CO2

5) **Mitsubishi RAIDER Pickup 2WD** MPG**: 9 City / 13 Highway (11 Combined) __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * [[image:http://www.japanesesportcars.com/photos/d/34508-2/2009-mitsubishi-raider.jpg width="400" height="262"]]
 * Tank Size**: 22.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 242 mi
 * Consumes**: 21.65 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 15.3 tons of CO2

6) **Dodge DAKOTA Pickup 4WD** MPG**: 9 City / 12 Highway (10 Combined) __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * [[image:http://media.paddocktalk.com/assets/albums/110_2009_Dodge_Dakota_01.jpg width="448" height="297"]]
 * Tank Size**: 22.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 220 mi
 * Consumes**: 21.65 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 15.3 tons of CO2

7) **Dodge RAM 1500 Pickup 4WD** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 9 City / 12 Highway (10 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 26.0-32.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 260-320 mi
 * Consumes**: 18.32-14.88 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 16.3 tons of CO2

8) **Mitsubishi RAIDER Pickup 4WD ** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 9 City / 12 Highway (10 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 22.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 220 mi
 * Consumes**: 21.65 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 15.3 tons of CO2

9) **Nissan TITAN 4WD** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 9 City / 12 Highway (10 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 28.0-37.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 280-370 mi
 * Consumes**: 17.01-12.87 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 17.4 tons of CO2

10) **GMC G1500 SAVANA 2WD Cargo Van** __Using Estimated 20,000mi/yr__
 * MPG**: 9 City / 12 Highway (10 Combined)
 * Tank Size**: 31.0 gal
 * Miles Per Tank:** 310 mi
 * Consumes**: 15.36 barrels/yr
 * Emits**: 15.3 tons of CO2

The fuel we use in cars makes up a huge portion of air pollution in America. We burn barrels upon barrels of fuel each year. The reason why the majority of the world runs on gas powered vehicles is because that is how cars have been made for years. There are whole lists of reasons that make us use gas, as opposed to anything else. Petrol does not only combust in your cylinders, but also has detergents in it, to keep the fine tips of your fuel injectors clean. Gas also removes the buildup that occurs. It also has a type of lubricant in it, to prevent wear and tear within the car. Also, the fuel we use helps to cool combustion and the combustion chamber. Otherwise you'd get burnt exhaust valves from time to time. If you were to use any other type of fuel than petrol, you would be looking at a whole lot of problems. = =

Many scientists are working on the problem at hand. Obama wants to keep making hybrid cars at a dirt-cheap price so that fuel efficiency is heightened so that America has a lessened dependence on oil. This would be fantastic for the environment. "You can't come close to Obama's projected price with a hybrid," says David Cole of the Center for Automotive research. Car makers are trying to make a great fuel efficient car, but also make a great running car with an engine that will last. "We're trying to get the best of both worlds," says Paul Whitaker of AVL Powertrain Engineering of Plymouth, Michigan.

Ford Motor company this month has released some test results about how putting alcohol in your vehicle, from time to time, can bump up the fuel efficiency of your car. Another method around the fuel efficiency problem is that electric cars do not emmit CO2 into the atmosphere. Electric cars would be a great way to avoid the problem at hand. Ethanol and hydrogen powered vehicles have made appearances in the past few years. On a larger scale, I would not expect every person to run out and buy an electric car. That is pricey and unrealistic. Hybrids are expensive as well. This would decrease the problem by a hefty percentage, but still I can not see this happening. I would say to drivers to put alcohol in their vehical and try it out. There is nothing to lose, and if it works, then the world is one step closer to solving this problem.

As I researched this problem, I found that main reason that more fuel efficient cars are not bought, along with electric and hybrids, are because of price. The main issue with these types of vehicles not being sold on an even bigger scale to put a heavy dent in the fuel efficiency problem, is the price of the cars.

The only thing I can really do to promote the fight against these problems, is to promote the way of feeding alcohol to your car once in a while. I don’t think I can convince many people to go out and buy a $40,000 hybrid.