Higher gas prices may be a part of our future, but so too will be reduced fuel consumption.

New standards for fuel efficiency will mandate that the average new car on American roads get 54 miles to the gallon by next decade.

These rules were developed in conjunction with the auto industry and will be phased in over time. In 2016, the average vehicle will be required to get 35 miles per gallon. By 2025, that number goes up to nearly 55 mpgs.

You may say that sounds impossible. But just look at what Ford is doing with the new C-Max, a hybrid micro van with a small turbo-charged engine that gets 47 mpg and sells for $25,000.

Reduced fuel consumption is easily attainable and we're on way to that.