Finance and Administration Cabinet
Governor Beshear Joins EcoDrivingUSA during EcoDriving Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE      

FRANKFORT, Ky – Governor Steve Beshear today joined the EcoDriving movement—a comprehensive, nationwide effort to save consumers money at the gas pump, reduce fuel use and cut carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. 

 “May is EcoDriving month and the perfect time for each of us to become an EcoDriver,” said Governor Beshear.  “As the driving season starts we should all keep in mind that if everyone in Kentucky practiced just a moderate level of EcoDriving, we could potentially reduce three million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).”

 “EcoDriving” provides easy tips for getting the most mileage out of your vehicle. And because burning gasoline produces carbon dioxide, saving fuel helps reduce carbon dioxide emissions - which helps address climate change.  Some EcoDriving tips include:
• Not tailgating
• Knowing the proper way to accelerate and brake
• Driving at the optimum highway speed
• Understanding when to use air conditioning

 “Kentucky’s drivers don’t have to wait to buy a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle to reduce fuel costs and their carbon footprint,” Governor Beshear said.  “On average, an EcoDriver™ can expect a 15 percent improvement in mileage by following some easy EcoDriving practices for driving and vehicle maintenance. “

 The educational program, EcoDrivingUSA™ (www.EcoDrivingUSA.com), provides consumers with dozens of simple steps to save money and gas, while reducing CO2 emissions.  The site includes a video guide to EcoDriving, an “EcoCalculator” to determine benefits for individuals or states, a virtual road test and a variety of educational tools.

 EcoDriving comes from the nation’s automakers which announced the program last August.  While automakers continue working to bring to the market groundbreaking fuel-saving technology, they also wanted to provide customers with an immediate way to save fuel and help the environment.  EcoDriving techniques can start saving motorists money right away.  

 “We’re all in this together – industry, government and consumers,” said Dave McCurdy, president and CEO of the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.  “Working together we can substantially reduce CO2 emissions and fuel use, one EcoDriver at a time.”

 Kentucky is among seven states to join the EcoDriving movement.  A number of other states are looking to follow suit.

 For more information on EcoDriving go to www.EcoDrivingUSA.com.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers is a trade association of 11 car and light truck manufacturers including BMW Group, Chrysler, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, Jaguar Land Rover, Mazda, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi Motors, Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen. For more information, visit the Alliance website at www.autoalliance.org.

                                                           - 30 -