America's Car Companies React to Outcome of Kyoto Climate Negotiations

12 December 1997

    WASHINGTON, Dec. 10 -- The following statement was issued by
Andrew H. Card, Jr., President & CEO of the American Automobile Manufacturers
Association (AAMA), in response to the outcome of global climate negotiations
in Kyoto, Japan:

    "This apparent agreement will harm the U.S. economy and do little for the
global environment.  We are disappointed that the Administration felt the need
to legally bind the U.S. to targets and timetables that will require more than
a 35% reduction in U.S. energy usage.
    "It is unfortunate that the Administration broke its promise to the
American people and did not resist the temptation to adopt extreme measures.
U.S. negotiators have signed onto an agreement before fully understanding the
competitive and economic implications.  Moreover, a basic element of the
Administration's announced framework -- meaningful participation by key
developing nations -- was not achieved in this agreement.
    "We are concerned that the policy to implement the Kyoto protocol will put
U.S. industry at a disadvantage to compete globally and risk the jobs of
millions of American workers.  We hope that the Administration will not fall
prey to the same temptation to be extreme when it comes to implementation.  We
urge the Congress to carefully consider the economic and competitive impacts
on the U.S. and take the necessary actions to protect the interests of
Americans.
    "America's Car Companies are committed to minimizing the environmental
impact of cars and trucks.  We will continue our research and development of a
broad range of energy-efficient technologies."

    AAMA is the trade association whose members are Chrysler Corporation, Ford
Motor Company and General Motors Corporation.  Visit our site on the World
Wide Web at http://www.aama.com.

SOURCE  American Automobile Manufacturers Association