Lawmakers propose 'ecodriving' training to save fuel

by Tim Pugmire, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Two DFL legislators say driver education could be the key to saving fuel and decreasing greenhouse gas emissions in Minnesota.

Rep. Frank Hornstein and Sen. Scott Dibble, both of Minneapolis, say they'll introduce legislation next year to add an "ecodriving" requirement to the state's drivers training curriculum. They say the driving techniques would be an important addition to the state's environmental efforts.

During a Capitol news conference, Drew DeGrassi of Pro Formance, a company that specializes in ecodriving instruction, explained the concept as managing the momentum of a vehicle.

"If you see lights are going to be turning ahead of you, you don't need to jackrabbit start from one to the next and just to sit there," he said. "It's a much smoother driving style."

DeGrassi says drivers he trained last year were able to increase fuel efficiency by 24 percent.