CAFE requirements creating more jobs, economic growth opportunities

Today more than 155,000 American workers are making components for clean, fuel-efficient vehicles and the number could grow significantly as the U.S. embraces new fuel efficient cars and trucks, according to a recently released new study.

Supplying Ingenuity: U.S. Suppliers of Clean, Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Technologies, identifies a link between fuel-efficient vehicles and the country’s economic vitality.

The report was produced by the Natural Resources Defense Council, the National Wildlife Federation and the UAW just days before the new 54.5 mpg fuel standard for cars and light trucks was announced. It foresees a move to innovative technologies will enabling automakers to achieve even greater mileage thus saving consumers money.

"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."

The study names 43 states and the District of Columbia as current homes to the 300-plus manufacturers developing and supplying key components for advanced internal combustion engines, 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 top 15 states employing the most autoworkers in new automotive technologies include Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, North Carolina, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Texas, Alabama, California, South Carolina, Tennessee, New York, Illinois, Virginia, and Arizona.