Eco-Driving Promoted By Automakers, Governator

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The Detroit News reports on a truce between the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, an automaker trade group, and two advocates of more-stringent vehicle emissions regulations, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Colorado Gov. Bill Ritter. After a series of public battles over stiffening regulations, including a May meeting where Schwarzenegger told auto executives to "stop whining" and meet new standards that should have gone into effect in 2002, the parties have all decided that a consumer-education Web site is the best way to curb fuel usage. Ah-nold's step-by-step instructions for saving the planet, after the jump. The new collaborative Web site, ecodrivingusa.com, urges consumers to slow down, ensure that tires are filled properly, avoid tailgating, remove excess weight from vehicles, replace air filters, and get tune-ups. Sound familiar? Yeah, it's all pretty much the same stuff that's been recommended — and largely ignored — for about 30 years now. But in an effort to be more persuasive, the Web site also has a helpful calculator to show you how much you could save, along with a video featuring the camera-shy Schwarzenegger comparing solving the global energy crisis to taking care of one's body. Oh, and if you look really closely, we're pretty sure you can see Jimmy Carter in the background of the video urging you to turn down your thermostat and put on a cardigan. [Detroit News]