Poll: Illinois Residents See “Clean Cars” as a Gas Price Savior
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May 28, 2008
Chicago, IL - Illinois residents want their cars and trucks to get better gas mileage and, according to a new poll, 89 percent of those surveyed would pay $1,000 more for a new car that gets better mileage.
Jonathan Goldman with the Illinois Environmental Council says people are interested in long-term help after weathering $4 per gallon gas the past few weeks.
"Certainly, the increase in gas prices is driving this somewhat. Actually, Chicago now has the highest gas prices in the country."
The proposed Illinois "Clean Cars Act" matches standards already approved by 14 other states. Goldman says this poll shows the public supports the move.
"We think this is pretty compelling evidence that the people of the state of Illinois would like to see this law enacted."
The poll is timely because the Illinois House is set to vote this week on the "Clean Cars Act," which would require better average fuel economy on a faster time line than federal law. Auto manufacturers are critical of the bill, saying consumers aren't demanding better mileage, and claiming they won't be willing to pay more for cars with the technology.,
The poll was commissioned by groups that belong to the Illinois Climate Action Network. More information is available online at www.illinoisclimateactionnetwork.org/.
More information on the Illinois Environmental Council can be found at
www.ilenviro.org.