Cleaner vehicles help create jobs and economic growth

More than 155,000 American workers already are making components for clean, fuel-efficient vehicles, and that number could grow significantly as the United States continues to embrace new generations of fuel efficient cars and trucks, according to a new study.

The report, jointly produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation and the UAW, came just two days before President Obama was scheduled to visit an advanced battery facility in Holland, Michigan, to tout how the new 54.5 mpg fuel standard for cars and light trucks will lead to innovative technologies that will enable automakers to achieve even greater mileage for their products and save consumers money.

The report, “Supplying Ingenuity: U.S. Suppliers of Clean, Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Technologies,” underscored the strong link between fuel-efficient vehicles and economic vitality.

“The reality is that cleaner vehicles have already led to more jobs,” said Peter Lehner, executive director of the Natural Resources Defense Council. “Our report shows how strong fuel efficiency standards have employed people nationwide, so stronger standards will certainly mean even more job growth in the future.”

According to the report, 43 states and the District of Columbia now are home to the 300-plus manufacturers that develop and supply key components for advanced internal combustion engines and vehicles, hybrid power-trains and plug-in electric vehicles.

“This report shows that most states have facilities that produce clean-vehicle technologies,” said UAW vice president Cindy Estrada, who directs the union’s Competitive Shop/Independents, Parts and Suppliers Department. “The employment benefits flowing from increases to vehicle fuel efficiency will be widespread.”

The report lists the top 15 states employing the highest number of autoworkers in clean, efficient technologies: Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, California, South Carolina, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, Virginia and Arizona.

“This report demonstrates how strong fuel efficiency standards for cars and trucks sustain local jobs. They also safeguard wildlife, and protect America’s public health,” said Jim Lyon, the National Wildlife Federation’s senior vice president for conservation programs.

A copy of the report, including an interactive map, can be found at www.nrdc.org/transportation/autosuppliers.