Fuel efficiency at heart of solution

Global warming is a reality that we must address. One step in the right direction is to support the strongest fuel efficiency standard possible through passage of the Safe Climate Act.

Increasing the fuel economy of new cars, SUVs and other light trucks is vital to curbing global warming. These vehicles consume over 9 million barrels of oil per day and are the source of 20 percent of the nation's heat-trapping pollution that causes global warming.

Improving the fuel economy of new vehicles is the cleanest, cheapest and fastest way to tame our growing dependence on oil.

Unless Congress takes meaningful steps to cut our oil addiction, the department of energy estimates that the U.S. will continue to import approximately 60 percent of its oil for the foreseeable future.

We need our representatives in Congress to work toward solutions such as funding renewable energy sources and increasing car fuel economy standards.

To find out more about the threat of global warming and what Congress can do, visit www.illinoishotseat.org. Then call Melissa Bean (D-8th) at (202) 225-3711. Urge her to co-sponsor the Safe Climate Act.

Ann Legg

Woodstock