Fuel economy is a measure of the amount of fuel needed to travel a given distance, generally stated in miles per gallon (mpg). Highly fuel efficient vehicles can travel greater distances on a gallon of fuel, reducing petroleum consumption and preventing the release of large amounts of pollutants. In addition, vehicle owners can save money in fuel costs by choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicles that meets their needs and driving in the most efficient manner. 

National Clean Cities Program strategies:

• Developing outreach documents on the benefits of fuel efficiency for fleets and the public.
• Working with fleets to adopt fuel-efficiency practices.
• Reaching out to new and established fleets to tell them about the cost savings of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Clean Cities is also working with the U.S. Department of Transportation's (DOT) Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on educational campaigns, such as "It All Adds Up to Cleaner Air."

Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition strategies:
The following strategies will guide the work of the Puget Sound Clean Cities Coalition in this area:

• Provide education on the website with links to other programs, for example: EPA, Department of Ecology and the Green Car Guide.

• Work with partners to develop education materials. 

• Promote actions to improve fuel economy among fleets and the public. Actions include:
  - Choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicle in a particular class.
  - Properly maintaining vehicles.
  - Planning trips to reduce cold-starts and miles traveled.
  - Driving more efficiently, avoiding idling, aggressive driving and speeding.

Resources

One of the most comprehensive source of fuel economy information is the Fuel Economy Guide, produced by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This booklet, which is updated every model year and distributed to auto dealers across the country, is available on the FuelEconomy.gov website. The website also features everything you need to know about fuel efficiency, including the gas mileage, greenhouse gas emissions, air pollution, and safety ratings for new and used cars and trucks. It also includes gas mileage tips, information on advanced technology vehicles, national gas price listings, and much more.

Other reliable sources of fuel economy information include:

• GreenerCars.com: This site is the online home of the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy's (ACEEE) Green Book: The Environmental Guide to Cars and Trucks. Like the Fuel Economy Guide, GreenerCars.com allows users to compare the fuel economy of available vehicles.
• Motor Trend: This site features a library of articles on fuel economy, including analysis on standards and how to maintain vehicles for maximum fuel efficiency.
• Union of Concerned Scientists: The Union of Concerned Scientists' Clean Vehicles section features information on fuel efficiency; see The Diesel Dilemma for frequently asked questions on fuel economy.
• For more information, search the Alternative Fuel Data Center's Document Database, operated by the U.S. Department of Energy.