President Obama unveiled a plan this week to strengthen vehicle fuel and emissions standards. This move will help reduce greenhouse gases that are driving climate change and its potentially catastrophic consequences on Florida and the nation.

The plan draws on clean car rules that have been adopted by more than a dozen states; were called for by Governor Charlie Crist in 2007; and were approved by the Florida Environmental Regulation Commission in December 2008. In a survey by Audubon and its partners earlier this year, 71% percent of Florida voters agreed that auto manufacturers should be required to sell cars and trucks that emit less climate-altering pollution.

Auto manufacturers, under the plan, will be required to achieve an overall fleet average of 35.5 miles per gallon by 2016, making cars and light trucks about 40% cleaner than they are today. While vehicle prices may rise by between $600 and $1,300 per vehicle, the savings in billions of barrels of oil and fuel prices at the pump will quickly offset the higher prices.

The President’s plan to strengthen Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards is an important step toward reducing the costs and risks of global warming on Florida’s wildlife, environment, and economy.

The AP quoted Eric Draper of Audubon of Florida on the issue. He called Obama's announcement "a historic moment for climate change and for the fight to save the planet." WMBB TV News also weighed in on the issue and included comments from Draper: "Draper says consumers will quickly make up the extra cost in gas savings because vehicles will be more fuel efficient. White House officials say consumers will actually save money over the lifetime of a car in exchange for higher upfront prices."