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Dozens of CA events this weekend honor Latino Conservation Week; Kamala Harris joins Oprah Winfrey in emotional campaign event; Report finds poor working conditions in Texas clean energy industry; AI puts on a lab coat, heads to technical schools.

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Rising threats of political violence, a Federal Reserve rate cut, crypto industry campaign contributions and reproductive rights are shaping today's political landscape.

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A USDA report shows a widening gap in rural versus urban health, a North Carolina county remains divided over a LGBTQ library display, and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz' policies are spotlighted after his elevation to the Democratic presidential ticket.

As Gas Prices Rise, Newer Cars Saving Drivers at the Pump

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Wednesday, July 9, 2014   

BISMARCK, N.D. - Motorists who hit the roads for summer trips are likely to feel a pinch at the gas pump, but some will spend a lot less fueling up than others.

New research from the Consumer Federation of America finds the average fuel economy of new cars has increased by 20 percent in the past six years. Jack Gillis, CFA director of public affairs, said the savings should continue to grow as manufacturers improve fuel efficiency.

"There's tremendous good news out there," he said, "from both the fact that consumers are demanding more fuel-efficient vehicles and buying them, but more importantly, car makers are offering them."

Drivers of 2014 models spend about $300 less on gas per year than those with typical 2008 models, Gillis said. The savings are even higher for those who purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles, such as hybrids that use both gas and electricity.

New fuel-economy standards require cars and light trucks to average slightly more than 54 miles per gallon by 2025. Overall, Gillis said, Americans are showing strong support for those standards.

"What is interesting about this is that the support for these standards cuts across party lines," he said. "Seventy-six percent of the Republicans, 83 percent of the independents and 89 percent of the Democrats favor the new fuel-efficiency standards."

Critics, including some car dealers and manufacturers, have voiced concerns that the standards could hurt business. However, Gillis said, consumers are driving the demand for more fuel-efficient cars.

Fuel-efficiency data is online at consumerfed.org. Average gas price information is at fuelgaugereport.aaa.com.


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