We can reduce our oil use. Scientists, engineers, and analysts have constructed a plan—Half the Oil—to cut US oil use. Through smart policies and practices—including increased fuel efficiency, better biofuels, and advanced electric cars—we can realize the benefits of using less oil.

Progress is already being made. Fuel economy standards have made cars and trucks more efficient. Electric vehicles are becoming more widespread. And scientists are finding new ways to make our fuels cleaner—but more can be done.

Using less oil offers huge benefits. Cleaner transportation options will help create jobs, save money, and reduce global warming pollution.

Drilling for more oil isn’t the answer. Oil is as expensive and dangerous as ever before, and it’s the largest single source of US carbon emissions. We can do better.

America consumes more than 19 million barrels of oil every day. We burn most of it for transportation.

This prodigious oil use comes with significant costs to our climate, our health, and our pocketbooks—but clean vehicles can help.

Oil drives global warming

Our cars, trucks, airplanes, and ships account for nearly 30 percent of US carbon dioxide emissions and more than 5 percent of the world’s total global warming pollution.

This pollution directly contributes to sea level rise, more frequent and intense heat waves, and other costly impacts.

Learn more about cars and global warming >

It’s not just CO₂: oil creates air pollution

Transportation is one of the United State’s largest sources of air pollution. In 2013, transportation contributed more than half of the carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, and almost a quarter of the hydrocarbons emitted into our air.

All this pollution has serious implications for public health, including increased incidences of respiratory ailments like asthma and bronchitis.

Learn more about air pollution and public health >