On November 9, 2007, the Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency hosted a press briefing with Democratic pollster Mark Mellman and Republican pollster Bill McInturff. To kick off the Veterans Day holiday, they discussed the findings of a new nationwide poll on national security, energy security and the energy legislation currently under consideration by Congress.

This poll comes as both the U.S. House and Senate continue to negotiate a final version of energy legislation that includes the Senate compromise to increase fuel efficiency standards to 35 MPG by 2020. During the call, the current state of play of the energy conference will also be discussed.

According to the report, overwhelming and unwavering support for increased fuel efficiency standards is predicated in large measure on the belief that reducing our dependence on foreign oil is vital for America’s national security. Our nation’s veterans share that view and express overwhelming support for higher fuel efficiency standards. Thus, when we pit the opposition’s message against the national security argument for stricter fuel efficiency standards, support for CAFE remains overwhelming. These strongly pro-CAFE views emerge time after time across every demographic, geographic and political segment of the population, including among those whose views command particular respect in these matters: veterans of our armed forces.

Nationwide, nearly nine in ten voters (86%), favor requiring the auto industry to increase fuel efficiency for cars, pickup trucks and SUVs while only 11% oppose increases. What’s more, nearly three quarters (71%) strongly favor requiring increases in fuel efficiency, while only 6% are strongly opposed.

For more information and to listen to the briefing, please visit the Pew Campaign for Fuel Efficiency website.